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A 







BYERS 



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Gems of Truth in Poetry 

ud- 

A BOOK OF DIDACTIC, 

LYRIC AND EPIC POEMS, 

EXPRESSED SACREDLY AND 
HUMOROUSLY 


ELDER L. M. BYERS 

ti 

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY 

D. N. JACKSON 

An Author and Editor 


PRICE SEYENTY-FIVE CENTS PER COPY, POSTPAID 


PUBLISHED BY 

THE BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE 

TEXARKANA, ARK-.TEX. 






Copyright Applied For 


FES 24 1919 

©CI.A511702 


vvo ^ 









INTRODUCTION. 





tV 


One writer has said that poetry may be defined 
“as the metrical expression of lofty or beautiful 
thought, feeling, or action, in imaginative and artistic 
form.” Mere verse may be distinguished from poetry 
by its unartistic or mechanical expression of common¬ 
place thought, feeling, or incident. Our very best 
poetry is the product of men who possess a high de _ 
gree of creative and imaginative ability; -and in their 
towering mood they are attuned to a high pitch of 
energetic passion, lofty thought, intuitive vision, and 
their feelings are intensified and yet possess a great 
bearing of delicacy. In poetry the mind flies out into 
a field of sublime thought and often suffuses the phe¬ 
nomena of nature and the scenes of human life with 
splendor and felicity to its own zest. From a gen¬ 
eral standpoint, poetry has in ancient, medieval and 
modern ages been viewed as occupying a sphere above 
prose, and yet while in their essential difference, they 
often repose on the same level. The difference main¬ 
ly lies in the fact that poetry is ideal while prose is 
commonplace. Ideas of history should be advanced 
clearly and defined in one as well as in the other. 
The “AEneid” is an account of the founding of Rome 
and seems to be unlike prose. The prose writer 
would briefly and succinctly say, of the swiftly pass¬ 
ing of an enjoyable evening : “The evening passed 
pleasantly and quickly.” But the poet would set his 
soul aglow and reach out into the far distant land of 
imagination and say: 


“The twilight hours like birds flew by, 
As lightly and as free; 

Ten thousand stars were in the sky, 
Ten thousand in the sea. 




“For every wave with dimpled face 
That leaped upon the air, 

Had caught a star in its embrace, 

And held it trembling there.’' 

Almost in every nation poets have stood pre-emi¬ 
nent, and in fact the greatest poets the world has ever 
seen have been men who were inspired of the Lord. 
Who in all the annals of both sacred and profane 
history ranks above “the sweet Psalmist of Israel?” 
Coming on down to uninspired poets, whose names 
stand above Homer of Greece; Milton, Shakespeare, 
Chaucer and Tennyson of England; Dante of Italy 
and Bryant, Longfellow, Lowell and Whittier of 
America? However poets are often undervalued; 
they are looked upon as being men of low impulse to 
society, being eccentric in manner and possessing the 
disposition of an anchoret, or recluse. This, of 
course, is the period when material interests dominate 
the life of men. The poet when in his flight of lofty 
thoughts brings down from nature’s portal gates the 
inspiration of the buried past and silently lays them 
in close touch with the present. In his “Festus,” 
Bailey says: 

“Poetry is itself a thing of God; 

He made his prophets poets, and the more 

We feel of poesy, do we become 

Like God in love and power—undermakers.” 

In fact all nature is filled with poetry, with God as 
the great Poet, who has filled the whole universe 
with rhythm and beauty. The poems of human 
make-up are mere driftwood accumulated at the dam 
of the divine river of poetry. The lives of men are 
poems—some an entertaining comedy while others a 
moving tragedy. The great sheet of the heavens 
sing out its poetry through the stars; the sun from a 


far away fountain shines upon us in rhythmical wave¬ 
lets; the planetary system that entertains the great 
, moving bodies in their respective orbits preserves 
sublime harmony in movement, and the rippling of the 
forest stream, the rhythmical roll of the mighty surg¬ 
ing billows, are the poetry of the glittering waters. 

In the person of our much esteemed Elder L. M. 
Byers, whom the writer has been knowing for quite 
a long time and with whom he has labored in the heat 
of the day for the betterment of fallen humanity, is 
endowed the wonderful gift of poetry, and in this 
book—GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY—he has 
produced poems unsurpassed by the world’s greatest 
poetical production. They are diadactic, lyric and 
epic and the manner in which they are expressed is 
lofty and inspiring. They are only a meager part of 
the many poems written by the author, and doubtless 
at a later date his other unique productions will ap' 
pear in like manner as these have. His host of friends 
urgently requested him to bring out this book. Hav¬ 
ing known, therefore, the author for a long time and 
having been intimately associated with him, and also 
having read and re-read the manuscript before the 
book was printed, I most heartily commend its pur¬ 
chasing and reading by a generous public. Every 
child, especially, should be given one of Byers’ books 
that as its physical body grows its mind may grow 
also by fathoming the deep of this book of poems. 
No better birthday or Christmas gift could be given 
to any one, than this book, except the Bible itself. 
Read and digest its contents. 

D. N. JACKSO'N, Pastor, 
County Avenue Baptist Church, 
Texarkana, Arkansas. 


November 18, 1918. 




CONTENTS. 


Christ’s Birth. 11 

Satan Conquered. 12 

Why I Am Happy . 13 

Christ Is Coming . 14 

The Christian’s Home . 14 

The Way of Salvation . 15 

Christ’s Church . 16 

I’m Going Home . 18 

The Converted Thief . 20 

Christ’s Work of Redemption . 21 

How Life Is Sustained . 2"3 

The Deacon and the Goat. 24 

The Ant . 27 

The Tattler . 27 

The Voyage of Life . 28 

The Maniac Healed . 30 

The Children . 31 

Bible Sanctification . 31 

Christ My All . 33 

The Heavenly Mariner. 33 

Old Grimes . 34 

My Parents .•. 35 

The Giver Repaid . 37 

Sunshine . 38 

Benefits Most Lasting . 39 

The Holy Spirit . 39 

The Burden Bearer . 40 

The Anguish of a Lost Soul . 41 

Satan Unable to Destroy Christ’s Church. 42 

The Merry Little Brook . 45 

The Puzzled Boy . 46 

The Bad Boys Punished . 48 

The Joyous Hereafter. 48 

Value of Time . 50 

I Can . 51 

The Little Birds . 51 

The Conquering Pilgrim . 52 

His Great Love . 54 

Leroy’s Letter .._. 55 

Dangers That Threaten Our Ship of State. 56 

Righteousness Against Sin . 57 

The Wise Kittens . 59 

The Cry of Anguish . 60 

The Source of True Happiness . 61 

Zion's Watchman ... 61 

Springtime . 62 

The Useful Boy .. .. 63 

Too Late . 6 4 

True Friends of Christ .. 65 

Deception . 65 





















































Page 

God on Sinai . 68 

The Demon of Drink . 68 

The Holy City . 69 

Two Jolly Travelers .. 70 

Dives . 70 

“So” Emphasized . 73 

Contrast in the Death of a Christian and a Sinner. 74 

Over There . 75 

Sunbeam . 76 

Religion for Gain . 77 

The Saints’ Bright Home . 78 

Why Should We Sigh? . 79 

Cards and Wine . 80 

Christ’s Kingdom . 81 

The Most Important Thing . 83 

Winter . 83 

The Wonderful Christ . 84 

The Incarnation . 85 

War .•. 86 

Shine Four Light . 87 

The Glad Message. 88 

The Priceless Gems . 89 

Sam and Joe .• ... 89 

Ugly Peter Vick . 91 

Is . 93 

The Seasons . 94 

John and May . 94 

Jesus the Carpenter’s Son . 95 

Sing His Worth . 96 

Conviction . 97 

Hell .. . 98 

George Trellis . 99 

Help the Man That's Down.102 

Peter’s Denial .102 

Sleepers Warned .104 

Christ Is Divine . 105 

The Resurrection .107 

“Most Awfully Cute ”. 109 

Arkansas . 112 

The Atonement .114 

Known by Fruits . 116 

The Grace of God .117 

The Wail of the Lost.118 

Go Into the Vineyard .119 

Perilous Times .119 

Jeff and Tim .120 

Baptism of Jesus .121 

Not of Works .•.123 

Spring .124 

Jimmy’s Come to Stay.124 

Si Malone .126 

Bring Back My Childhood . 128 

Jesus Paid My Fare .129 

Keep Me, I Pray . .129 

The Boy of Ten Names .130 

The Effect of Drink . 131 

Sam’s Apology .. 

The A. B. C.’s. 134 

Confess Today .. 

Covetousness . 136 

A Baptist . !..!.! 137 































































Page 

Be Wise .... •.138 

Little Willie .138 

All Alive But Seven .139 

The Designing Politician .140 

I’m Weary of the Conflict.142 

The Home, How Received? .143 

The Heavenly King .143 

Life in Christ .144 

All’s Joy in Canaan’s Land.145 

Whiter Than Snow. 146 

Be Faithful! .147 

Always Pray .147 

Chosen in Christ .148 

Be True .149 

Danger of Delay .149 

When He Comes .150 

Stop and Pray .151 

Joy in Faithfulness .152 

The Wonderful Story .153 

Quickened By the Spirit .154 

Redeemed by the Blood .155 

I’m Saved .155 

Sing a Song of Heaven .156 

Sweetest Name .157 

The Song of Gladness .158 

There’s a Better Home .159 

We’ll Be Satisfied .160 

L. M. Byers, Junior .160 

Tell It On and On .162 

Bring Them In . 162 

The Strav Sheep . 163 

Heirs of God .164 

The Little Traveler .165 

Don’t Delay .166 

Who Shall Have Them? .167 

David’s Son .168 

Angels ...169 

God’s Greatness .170 

Seek the Lost .171 

Mother .172 

Father . 172 

The Savior. 173 

No Earthly Treasure .174 

In Memory of Eolis .175 

Saved to Serve .175 

In Memory of Elder W. R. Story .176 
























































































































































PREFACE 


Go little book into the world 
Proclaim the truth to boy and girl. 
Some comfort give to aged hearts, 
Before they from the world depart. 

May wisdom’s light on sinners shine, 
Who may peruse these simple lines. 

If one they cause to view His side, 
His servant will be satisfied. 

I hope they’ll truth enough impart 
To break some sinner’s stony heart, 
And cause the light of love Divine 
Within his darkened soul to shine. 

Then go and tell to young and old 
A story of more worth than gold, 
That men through Him are reconciled, 
Whose hearts by sin had been defiled. 

—L. M. BYERS. 


Bingen, Arkansas, May, 1916. 



OkmB of Srutlj in itortnj 


CHRIST’S BIRTH 

One lonely night while shepherds watched 
Their flocks, upon the mountain side; 

The heavens above at once shone bright 

And heavenly heralds down did glide. 

The earth resounded with their strain 
Of music from that holy choir; 

To you this day a prince is born 
That many people will admire. 

You’ll find him not with kingly guests 
In mansions, but an ox’s stall; 

With swaddling clothes they’ll place him in 
A manger that no harm befall. 

The shepherds hied at once to see 

This child whose coming had been told, 

And wise men from the East did bring 
Him costly gifts of Myrrh and gold. 

The inns that night could not contain 

The rich, who could their places buy; 

But earth’s Redeemer, when He came 
Did in an oxen’s manger lie. 

O wondrous love, such sacrifice 

For us, by sin all pinioned down, 

He came and suffered cruel things, 

That God’s great mercy might abound. 



12 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


SATAN CONQUERED 

When Satan marshaled all his hosts 
To put the Lord of man to death, 

He thought he could of victory boast; 

And place the crown upon himself. 

But all the means that Satan used 

To bring His mighty eminence down, 

Was just the same that vanquished him, 
And brought our Savior to the crown. 

For as he passed down through the grave, 
He snatched the keys of death and hell; 

And brought redemption to the race, 

With lasting honor to Himself. 

So now our Lord owns all this world 
From sea to sea, the promise tells, 

And when He comes to claim His own, 

Old Satan then will be expelled. 

We hope our Lord will come right soon 
To sit upon King David’s throne, 

Reclaim the world from sin and death, 

And welcome all His children home. 

Then all the earth will hail Him king, 

The nations will their treasure give; 

All saints and angels sweetly sing, 

What heavenly bliss with Him to live. 

O would I could this message send 
To every wretch beguiled by sin, 

Whom Satan has by fetters bound, 

That he may have them reverence him. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


13 


Then flee O sinner from his power! 

Be saved today, His word is true. 
Leave such an enemy this hour; 

And serve the one who died for you. 


WHY I AM HAPPY 

I am so happy in Jesus my king. 

Now of His goodness and love would I sing, 

He died for the sinner when I was undone, 

And I have redemption through God’s only Son. 

I am so happy my sins all forgiven, 

And promised a home with my Savior in heaven; 
His spirit to guide through my pilgrimage here, 
Kept by His grace I have nothing to fear. 

I am so happy to me He has said, 

When the trumpet shall sound I’ll arise from the dead. 
Triumphant Til come from the grave free from sin, 
Forever to be with my Savior and king. 

I am so happy He’s gone to prepare 
A heavenly mansion I’m going to share, 

To dwell with the saints on that heaven lit shore, 
I’ll never know sorrow nor pain any more. 

I am so happy, His promise is sure, 

That through all the conflicts of life I’m secure; 

Far more than a conqueror He says I shall come 
At the end of the race with the sanctified throng. 

I am so happy, O sinner, return 

Back to the fold of my Father’s dear Son. 



14 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Repent of your sins and believe on his name. 

Be reconciled now, He’ll redeem you from shame. 

I am so happy, He’s coming again, 

Back to earth with His people to reign; 

The signs that He gave us are almost fulfilled, 

Soon shall our souls with His rapture be filled. 

I am so happy, when Jesus has reigned 

Here with His saints, while the Devil is chained; 

Then He’ll reclaim His possession from sin, 

The wheat from the tares will have been gathered in. 


CHRIST IS COMING 

Jesus my Lord to glory has gone 

To prepare a home for His blood-washed throng, 

He’ll come again, when His work is done, 

To reign with His people beneath the throne. 

O come Lord Jesus, the time is long, 

We’re waiting to sing redemption’s song; 

To see Thee in glory, upon Thy throne, 

And the nations once more their true King own. 

The Devil has long ruled the world in sin, 

Thy people desire Thy presence again, 

To snatch from his hand the scepter he holds, 
And restore to Thy people their places in the fold. 


THE CHRISTIAN’S HOME 

I am thinking tonight of my home far away 
In the mansions of bliss that are fairer than day; 




GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


15 


Of its jasper lit walls and its streets all of gold, 

O blessed abode, ’tis the home of the soul. 

I’m longing to be with my Savior to dwell. 

In joy so sublime, tongue never can tell, 

Of the rapturous heights that the saints will behold, 
In the city of God, in the home of the soul. 

I am waiting for Him whose presence will be 
More glorious by far, than all else to me. 

I’ll awake in His likeness at the trumpet’s loud call, 
And join the glad throng now redeemed from the fall. 

O will you go with me, my friends, to that home, 
Where Jesus’ presence dispels every gloom? 

In mansions to dwell through eternities rounds; 

No sickness nor sorrow nor pain can be found. 

I’m longing to see all my frineds gone before; 

For I am persuaded they’ll be on that shore; 

O glorious day when our loved ones we meet, 

And dwell there together at Jesus’ dear feet. 

Then let us be faithful to Him here below, 

That when He shall call us from sorrow and woe; 
We’ll be glad at His presence, and have no remorse, 
But receive our rewards and together rejoice. 


THE WAY OF SALVATION 

If our salvation depended 

On what He’s told us to do, 

I’m sure we’d all be ruined, 

And none of us ever get through. 



16 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


The way that God saves a sinner 

Is through the death of His Son. 

He met the demands of justice, 

And FAITH takes the place of work done. 

He says they have justification, 

Who, only, believe on His name 

And pardon and life and redemption, 

All come by observing the same. 

O plan of salvation so simple, 

That a fool need never to err; 

Yet wise men can’t comprehend it, 

And work to relieve them from fear. 

But when they stand in His presence, 

With all the work that they’ve done; 

I’m sure that God will reject it; 

Because they slighted His Son. 

It’s better to do what He tells you, 

Repent and believe on His name; 

’Tis Jesus that sends you this message, 

None other can keep you from shame. 


CHRIST’S CHURCH 

The church of Christ does not consist 
Of all the saved below; 

But may be only two or three, 

As the Scriptures plainly show. 

Christ called His church a flock, a house, 
Of lively stones composed ; 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


17 


With neither bishop, priest nor pope, 

The weaker to depose. 

The kings of Gentiles, lordship use, 

With you it shall not be; 

The greatest, let him only, serve, 

And, by this, honor Me. 

The churches did for many years, 

Their independence keep, 

But wolves crept in amongst the flock, 
Clothed in the garb of sheep. 

Hence, from this time, such terms we hear, 
As “universal church,” 

And thus the word of truth pervert, 
While men for power search. 

Christ’s doctrines they have set aside, 

For those to suit their whims; 

And robes have woven of their works, 

To try to hide their sins. 

They pour a little water on, 

And call the thing Baptize ; 

When Jesus said to bury them, 

And show the dead would rise. 

They give the emblems of His death, 

To saints and sinners too; 

And make a sacrament of it, 

Which is a sinful view. 

They try to save and keep themselves, 
By works, which they can do, 


18 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


And think, if they can do enough, 
They’ll sure to heaven go. 

But God has told us in His word, 

’Tis not by works we’ve done, 

But by believing in the wounds 
Of His own darling Son. 

Though Satan’s used his mighty power, 
Christ’s church to overthrow; 

She stands today upon the rock, 

Her Master’s ways to show. 


I’M GOING HOME. 

I’m going home, no more to roam, 

My friends, all beckon me to come. 

In that bright home we all shall meet, 
And be content, at Jesus’ feet. 

I’m going home with Christ to dwell, 
He’s rescued me from death and hell; 
There in that happy state we’ll sing, 
And make the heavenly welkins ring. 

I’m going home to take my place 
With all who will behold His face. 
There through the ceaseless ages live, 
All praise and honor to Him give. 

I’m going home the river’s near, 

He said to cross I need not fear; 

For Christ will meet me at the brink, 
And pilot me across I think. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


19 


I’m going home my friends to greet, 

In heaven’s safe and blest retreat; 

Our voice to join that holy choir, 

Where we can sing and never tire. 

I’m going home to die no more 
On Canaan’s fair and happy shore; 

Where glorious sights will meet our view. 

In heaven’s city ever new. 

I’m going home my Lord to see, 

Who has my soul from sin set free; 

I long His side and hands to view, 

And hear Him say I died for you. 

I’m going home to serve my King, 

And with His other children bring 
The crown He’s won, with one accord, 

We’ll crown Him as our King and Lord. 

I’m going home a crown to wear, 

For Jesus says that we shall share 
His glory, in a future day, 

All His rewards He’s sure to pay. 

I’m going home, my friends, farewell. 

To you this message now I’ll tell, 

There’s room enough for all the race, 

My Savior has prepared the place. 

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. 

He leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul. He leadeth in the paths of 
righteousness for His name’s sake. 

—Bible, Psalm 23. 


20 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


THE CONVERTED THIEF. 

The thief upon the cross did hang, 

For crimes that he had done; 

And railed upon the Son of God, 

Till life had almost gone. 

The Holy Spirit did His work, 
Enlightening his mind; 

Then to the Lord his sins confessed, 
Within a moment’s time. 

Lord, when Thou in Thy kingdom come, 
I pray remember me; 

But Jesus said, “Your soul today, 

In Paradise will be! 

Thus Jesus, in the throes of death, 
Could manifest His love; 

And save a wretched soul from wrath. 
To dwell in heaven above. 

The other thief, impenitent, 

Went down to fill the place, 

Where all, who live and die in sin, 

Will judgment have to face. 

If men would but confess their sins, 

And trust Him for His grace, 

His blood would efficacious prove 
To all of Adam’s race. 

But thousands will reject His word, 
They’d rather starve than come, 

And live a life of sin and shame, 

And meet the sinner’s doom. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


21 


May those who read these simple lines 
Be wise, and come today; 

For it is folly to neglect 

To walk the narrow way. 


The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, 
and to depart from evil is understanding.—Solomon. 

Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy 
laden and I will give you rest.—Christ. 

Come now and let us reason together—By the 
mouth of the prophet Isaiah. 

The Spirit and the Bride say come.—John, on the 
Isle of Patmos. 

Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think 
not, the Son of man cometh.—Jesus. 

Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, 
believe also in me.—Christ. 


CHRIST’S WORK OF REDEMPTION. 

The saints will sing redemption’s song 
That angels ne’er can sing. 

Yes, that will be a happy throng, 

When heaven’s arches ring. 

We hail the day in glad array; 

We’ll mount the vaulted skies, 

To meet our Savior in the air, 

The Christian’s Paradise. 

We’ll see the Bridegroom take His bride 
Who’s waited long below, 

In royal garments at His side, 

With other guests who go. 




GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


And when the celebration’s o’re, 

Back to earth we’ll come. 

The beast and prophet then will find 
Hell their eternal home. 

And when Gog’s army has been slain, 
And placed in graves away; 

The saints before the judgment seat, 
Will stand in glad array. 

Then next will come all nations up, 
The sheep upon the right; 

The goats will stand upon the left, 
With trembling and affright. 

To those upon His right He’ll say: 

“My Father’s blessed come, 

Enjoy the kingdom I’ve prepared, 
Throughout My peaceful reign.” 

But those upon the left will hear 
That fearful word, “Depart,” 

And to that awful darkness go, 

Led there by Satan’s art. 

Old Satan then will be assigned 
To the dark pit and sealed; 

On earth no more to ruin men, 

Till a thousand years be filled. 

Christ’s righteousness will fill the earth, 
As waters fill the sea; 

A pleasant place will be our home, 
From sin and sorrow free. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


23 


Then when His reign on earth is done, 
And Satan is let out, 

He’ll gather up his hosts again 
To try Christ’s saints to rout. 

But fire will down from heaven come, 
Consume the last of men. 

And Satan down to hell be thrust 
Into his dismal den. 

Then Christ upon the white throne sits 
To judge the wicked dead, 

And from the books will be revealed 
Each idle word they’ve said. 

Thrust down to hell the wicked go 
In anguish and despair, 

And through Eternity’s ample rounds, 

The devil’s misery share. 

And then He’ll purify this earth, 

Here with His saints to dwell, 

In heaven’s city sent from God, 

Such joy no tongue can tell. 

Much better be a pauper here 
And reach that happy home, 

Than all thing have that earth can give, 
And meet the sinner’s doom. 


HOW LIFE IS SUSTAINED. 

As I walked out upon the road, 

I met a little rusty toad, 

That for a meal was catching flies, 
And relished them as boys do pies. 



24 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


I saw J:hen, as it’s always been, 

With toads and flies and boys and men. 
I saw it with these very eyes, 

When one thing lives, another dies. 

The froggies dine upon the flies; 

The cows and sheep upon the rie; 

Our horses relish corn and oats, 

And brush the food of billy goats. 

Most little boys will eat potatoes; 

Beef and mutton on loaded waiters. 

The girls will eat a boll of soup, 

And in the milk pan deep will scoop; 

They’ll fill their hands with muscadines, 
Then write some boy a Valentine; 

But, if you watch them with your eyes, 
While they are living something dies. 

So when you eat, remember, Si, 

That something living has to die. 

Don’t kill too much to make a meal, 

You need not live on pork and veal. 


THE DEACON AND THE GOAT. 

There was old Deacon Foster 
Who sanctimonious grew, 

Was known to be contentious 

The neighborhood all through. 

He railed on little Tommy 
For every trifling thing, 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


25 


Until the little urchin 

Began to feel the sting. 

Now, little Tommy’s father 

Had bought his son a goat; 

And like the others of his tribe, 

He’d learned his tricks by rote. 

Young Billy with his master went 
To Sunday school one day, 

And while the boy his lessons said 
He stayed outside to play. 

Sly Tommy’d taught his goat to butt 
When he’d his hand uphold, 

And Deacon Foster coming up 
His anger was untold. 

The angry deacon raised his hand 
The goat to drive away. 

But Billy had some lessons had 
In that another day. 

He made a dash at Foster 

And before he could retreat, 

He struck him in the middle, 

And from then he showed defeat. 

The Deacon rose to reach the door 
To run it was worth while, 

But Billy struck him in the back 
And shoved him up the aisle. 

The congregation then arose 
To see the fun and smile, 

But quicker than I write these words 
He had four in a pile. 


26 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


The thing had now grown serious 
The preacher, with his boot 

Thought he could quell young Billy, 

But he struck him on the snoot. 

From which, when he’d recovered, 
Enough to give direction, 

Bill with the crowd in front of him, 

Was butting them by sections. 

By which he cleared the house of folks 
And calmly took his stand, 

To see if Deacon Foster 

Would only raise his hand. 

But the Deacon’s ire was settled; 

He said it was enough, 

And found that billy goats would not, 
Though children might be be bluffed. 

They say that Tommy did not know 
The goat had followed him, 

But when the Deacon’s name is called 
You see the youngster grin. 

My friends, I’d warn you faithfully, 
This fact ’tis well to note: 

If you’d your equilibrium keep, 

Don’t trifle with Tom’s goat. 

And now my friends don’t chide me 
Because this thing I wrote. 

I wished to have a little fun, 

And so I chose this goat. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


27 


THE ANT. 

The ants are wiser little folks 
Than other creatures small. 

They gather up their wintry hord 
Before the end of fall. 

And when the cold and stormy winds 
Begin to whistle by; 

These thrifty little people 

Their children can supply. 

My children learn a lesson now, 

And let it with you stay, 

Never leave for future time 

What you should do today. 

The grasshopper sang the summer through. 
But winter came at last, 

And found him dancing starved and cold, 
Exposed to winter’s blast. 

Then go to the ant thou slothful one 
And wisdom from him take, 

To be prepared in the evil time— 

Your comfort is at stake. 


THE TATTLER. 

You know old Billy Ketchum 
Who always takes a pride 
In matter of contention 
To take the other side. 



2 8 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


He’ll go among his neighbors 
Whenever things are rife, 

And by his message bearing 
Is sure to stir up strife. 

He tells one that the other 

Has words against him said, 

When if the truth were fully known, 
It is old Bill instead. 

The tattle is a menace 

To all the country round; 

His words will eat like cancer, 

And prove a fatal wound. 

Then let us ne’er give heed to him 
Who friends would separate. 

But treat him with a just contempt 
And leave him to his fate. 


THE VOYAGE OF LIFE. 

As down the stream of life I glide, 
And struggle with the surging tide, 

I wonder if my acts will be 
.A blessing to humanity. 

I would not live my life for naught, 
But with good deeds may it be fought, 
That when this weary race is run 
The welcome plaudit hear well done. 

I’ll try to help the fallen rise, 

Instead of evil advertise; 



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29 


For if you would true peace insure, 

Your prompting motives must be pure. 

I trust my words will others lead 
To higher thought and nobler deeds, 

And those whose feet have gone astray 
May lead into a better way. 

O may my every action prove 
Each motive prompted from above; 

For if we’re by his Spirit led, 

He’ll bring down blessings on our heads. 

Then let my bark down life’s stream sail 
Amidst a rough and sinful gale. 

With truth’s own banner floating o’er, 

Which says there’s room on yonder shore. 

And when the voyage of life is done. 

The conflicts past, the victory won, 

We’ll stand on Canaan’s happy shore, 

And sail life’s rugged stream no more. 

But there in fields of living green 

We’ll strike our harp of a thousand strings 

In heavenly joy and peace serene, 

While all of heaven’s choir sings. 

How light earth’s burdens to us feel 
Compared with what his word reveals. 

We’ll there immortal bodies have 
In the city of God with Christ to live. 

Then take your earthly wealth and fame 
And pleasures here of every name. 

Just let me heavenly blessings share 
These things with them will not compare. 


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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


THE MANIAC HEALED. 

While Christ was here in Galilee 
He sailed across the boisterous sea; 

And there a raving maniac met, 

Who with a legion was beset. 

The man was by the people feared, 

For at his sight they disappeared, 

He had his dwelling amidst the tombs 
And to his home could never come. 

But when the Son of God he spied 
He fell down prostrate at his side. 

And said, “ Do not torment I pray,” 

So Christ the demons drove away. 

The demons entered a herd of swine 
And hurried down a steep incline, 

They plunged into the sea below 

Where all were drowned at once we know. 

The owners came at once to see 
What strange occurence this could be 
And found the man they could not bind 
Completely clothed, in his right mind. 

But when those fellows realized, 

Their hogs were in the sea baptized; 

They asked that he would go away, 

And he among them did not stay. 

The poor man asked if he might go 
And more about his Savior know. 

But Christ said, “To your home return 
And tell your friends what I have done.” 


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31 


And so he walked along the way 
And to the people all did say, 

“I’ve been relieved from the devil's chain 
To praise his great and holy name.” 


THE CHILDREN. 

This earth would be a doleful place 
Were there no children home to grace; 
They’re sunshine, on a cloudy day 
And grief and trouble drive away. 

Their prattling tongues dispel the gloom 
And make poor hovels seem like home, 
I’ll take my children on my knee. 

No cats and poodle dogs for me. 

But children should be taught each day, 
Their parents rules they must obey, 

For if they’re left unto themselves, 

Its difficult with them to dwell. 

Then, children, try to be a joy, 

There’s always room for the girl or boy, 
Who wear a pleasant smiling face 
And carry life’s load with ease and grace. 


BIBLE SANCTIFICATION. 

If Christ has taught us in his word, 
That saints here reach perfection; 
Then all the race will wait to rise 
In the second resurrection. 




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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


But every truth his word reveals 
By men has been perverted, 

And by this means they’ve Satan served. 
And thousands disconcerted. 

God’s word does teach the spirit’s free 
From sin and condemnation, 

But the body waits the trumpet’s .sound 
Which brings complete redemption. 

My Lord has met demands in full, 

And paid the debt for me, 

Now I from works of every sort 
To merit life am free. 

I’m trusting only what he’s done, 

He took my place and died. 

By faith my life is made secure, 

And the Father satisfied. 

I’ll work to merit the reward— 

He says that those shall have, 

Who keep the Faith and do his will, 

In the world beyond the grave. 

But nowhere has he bade us work, 

Our souls from sin to lift. 

It does not in our power lie, 

Salvation is a gift. 

Then sinner cease from works today, 

To him your sins confess, 

And he will clothe you in a robe 
Of his own righteousness. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


35 


CHRIST MY ALL. 

Come one and all, and hear my plea. 
It is His blood was shed for me. 
Fve trusted in his power to save, 
He’ll raise this body from the grave. 

Come listen to this song I sing, 

I’ll ever to his promise cling; 

I know he’s faithful to his child, 

No more my soul can be defiled. 

Then come my friends rejoice with me. 
He has my soul from sin set free; 
His love my soul has satisfied, 

Each passing need will be supplied. 

O, sinner, flee from sin and vice, 
Come find the pearl of greatest price 
You’re feeding on the husks of swine. 
The table’s spread for you to dine. 


THE HEAVENLY MARINER. 

While you’re on the ocean sailing 

O’er life’s dark and rugged main, 
Keep your eyes on Christ the Master, 
The one for guilty sinners slain. 

If you run upon the breakers, 

As you sail on seas unknown, 
Trust yourself to heaven’s pilot, 

And he’ll steer you safely home. 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


When you come in deadly combat 
With old Satan by the way, 

Take the sword with which Christ arms you, 
Him you’ll rout without delay. 

Should your former friends forsake you, 

And the world upon you frown, 

Lean upon his precious promise, 

My hand upholds all them cast down. 

When your bark has neared the border 
Of fair Canaan’s happy land, 

Christ your leader there will welcome 
You to join that royal band. 


OLD GRIMES. 

When old Grimes was young and gay, 
He with the children all did play, 

He’d buy them dolls and kites and toys 
And tops for all the little boys. 

His long black coat he often wore 
His vest he buttoned down before. 

But when he went to feed the shoat, 
He wore his striped overcoat. 

But poor old Grimes is laid to rest, 

And other people wear his vest; 

His shoes he gave to Johnnie Peat, 
Because they would not fit his feet. 

Upon Tom Fry he placed his coat 
And said, be sure and feed my shoat, 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


His hat he left to Aaron Gibb, 

If he would never tell a fib. 

But poor old Grimes is badly missed, 
Because the poor he did assist, 

He gave Sam Sneed a nail one day 
And Johnson’s cow a batch of hay. 

Then if this sage you imitate, 

Your friends will call you truly great 
He was known at least four miles around, 
And owned two acres of the ground. 

Now all his friends his praise will sing 
Because he’s dead—no more he’ll bring, 

The birds a crumb, the cow a straw, 

And fill his place in Arkansaw. 


MY PARENTS. 

In the sad and lonely graveyard 

Placed beneath the cold, cold clay, 

There lie two to me the dearest 
To wait the resurrection day. 

They’re the ones who gave me being, 
Led me through life’s young way; 

Placed before me good examples, 

Lest my feet should go astray. 

Many sleepless nights they watched me, 
Bathed my weary aching head. 

And you never heard a murmur 

As they watched around my bed. 



36 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Many times I was ungrateful 

And then sometimes disobeyed. 

Now I know it grieved them sorely 

That I’d from their counsel strayed. 

But their memory I’ll cherish, 

And try by actions on life’s road, 

To bestow upon the aged, 

The fruits of seed my parents sowed. 

And when I have fought my battles 
In this world of sin and woe, 

There in heaven I’ll see their faces 
Where we’ll never sorrow know. 

Father was the first to leave us, 

How I long to see his face! 

Mother then of earth grew weary, 

And has gone to his embrace. 

Let us Jive and act dear children, 

That after earth our feet have trod, 

We may one unbroken family 
Be around the throne of God. 

Won’t that be a happy meeting? 

On that bright and sunny shore. 

When we meet our dear old parents, 
Where we’ll have to part no more. 

Yes, dear father, we are coming. 

Mother there your face we’ll see 

In that land beyond the river 

Blessed home from sin set free. 


GEMS OP TRUTH IN POETRY 


THE GIVER REPAID 

As you travel o’er life’s highway, 

And discouraged pilgrims meet; 

Always speak a word of comfort, 

Make the path smooth for their feet. 

Kind words cost the speaker nothing. 

But the good that they have done, 

Will be held in hearts and cherished, 

Till the speaker hears well done. 

Jesus says a cup of water 

That’s been given in his name 

Would the giver lend sweet comfort, 

When rewards he comes to bring. 

For ’tis that which prompts the giver, 
Whether alms or words we’ve said, 

Brings the blessings of Jehovah 
Down in showers on our heads. 

He has told us if we strangers 
Do not fail to entertain, 

We may feed and shelter angels, 

Who to us will blessings bring. 

There are those who always scatter 
Many things which they possess; 

But instead of them impoverish, 

Does abundance round them spread. 

But we see the stingy miser 

Who with holds much more than’s need, 

Sometimes come to grief and sorrow 
On account of sinful greed. 


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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Cast your bread upon the water, 

That the hungry you may give 
Comforts in their gloom and sadness, 
Then you will true blessings have. 

God can bless our daily efforts 
And increase our earthly store, 

But upon the miser’s bounty 

Blow his breath and make him poor. 


SUNSHINE. 

Once I knew two little maidens 

With bright curls and beaming eye, 

Who would always bring the sunshine 
To all classes low or high. 

If the day was sad and dreary 

And your mind was filled with gloom, 

They would sing of joy and pleasure 
And with laughter fill the room. 

Should your life be full of sorrow, 
Fortune fail on you to smile; 

They’d divide with you their bounty, 
And help you go another mile. 

Would that all would carry sunshine 
In their lives from day to day, 

We could many burdens lighten, 

Gloom and sorrow drive away. 



GEMS OP TRUTH IN POETRY 


39 


BENEFITS MOST LASTING. 

I would not live for earthly fame, 

Nor on my head such laurels bring; 
Short pleasures give, these trifling toys, 
I’ll seek to win more lasting joys. 

I'll envy not the hero’s name, 

Who in great battles won the same, 

But let me lead a nobler fight 
While here I stay for truth and right. 

The scholar’s place I cannot fill, 

Who sways the public at his will; 
Perhaps by using well my time, 

I’ll truth impart by simple rhyme. 

Let science state how planets move, 

And comets through the heavens rove; 
Lost men I’ll seek the road to show, 
That leads from sorrow, sin and woe. 

My mind’s not set on late invention 
To build great ships Fve no intention, 
But be my life a signal station, 

To warn of death and condemnation. 


THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

Holy Spirit lead the way, 

Guide my feet from day to day, 

Let each thought and deed be true, 
Leave me not my strength renew. 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


I in wisdom’s ways would go, 
Make my mind the truth to know; 
Intercede in prayer for me, 

That my words will answered be. 

Holy Spirit, Dove divine, 

Let me feel thy power sublime; 
For thy presence I entreat, 

Keep me near at Jesus’ feet. 

Holy Spirit, Love impart, 

To my sad and aching heart, 

May no evil me befall, 

For upon thee now I call. 

Holy Spirit, thou art God, 

With his power thy feet are shod. 
Keep me in the path below, 

Till to glory I shall go. 


MY BURDEN BEARER. 

Some times I’m tired and weary, 
At other times I’m sad 
Sometimes life’s burdens lighter, 
And then it makes me glad. 

But when my load gets heavy, 
And very hard to bear; 

I cast it on my Savior, 

He all my grief will share. 

Then ever lean upon him, 

Who never will forsake, 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


41 


He knows the very pathway 
Your tired feet should take. 

And when you meet temptation, 

Upon life’s toilsome road. 

Your master’s power will set you free, 
For he the path has trod. 

Then weep when you are sorry, 

Rejoice when you are glad, 

Just lean upon his mighty arm, 

He will your footsteps guide. 


THE ANGUISH OF A LOST SOUL. 

What fearful pangs the wretch must feel, 
Who finds at last his doom is sealed; 

There death and demons have to face, 

And make his home in the doleful place. 

When through this dark and mad career, 
He’s suffered millions of weary years, 
Eternity has just begun, 

His fate can never be undone. 

O, sinner, don’t give Satan heed 
He seeks to bring your soul to need, 

False words he always to you tells 
And aims to drag you down to Hell. 

He’s wise and cuuning in his art 

And causes thousands from truth to part, 

Deceived, they soon his cause embrace, 

And the broad road go to sad disgrace. 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


SATAN UNABLE TO DESTROY CHRIST’S 
CHURCH. 

Christ built his church upon a rock, 

A sure foundation tried; 

And said though conflicts strong she’d meet, 
He’d never leave her side. 

The Devil and the Gates of Hell, 

Through twenty centuries long, 

Have tried his promises to thwart 
By opposition strong. 

Thus many souls have been misled 
And into misery brought, 

His chuches by the thousands still 
Are with his power frought. 

They’ll stand until he comes again 
And for the faith contend, 

Which he delivered to the saints 
Through faithful chosen men. 

The devil numerous times has tried 
Christ’s church to imitate, 

But those who study close his word, 

Will know they’re each a Gate. 

The first that came upon the scene 
Was mother of them all, 

John in the Apocalypse describes, 

She thousands would enthrall. 

He saw her drunken with the blood 
Of saints for years to come. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


4a 


But shows her conquered at the last 
When her vile work is done. 

She rode a scarlet colored beast 
By secular power borne, 

And down in ignorance, sin and vice 
The masses crushed forlorn. 

All through her rage and thirst for blood 
A place had been prepared, 

In hiding for the church, his Bride 
In Piedmont’s valley barred. 

At last the beast which carried her 
Grew weary of his load, 

Then she was forced at last to go 
Unmounted on the road. 

This when this woman could no more 
Lean on the secular arm, 

The church from out the valleys came, 
Because they feared no harm. 

But she and all her daughters yet 
Her spirit manifest, 

But Christ a door has opened that 
His churches might have rest. 

By different marks the family’s known, 
They say by works we live, 

Instead of grace, by faith in Christ, 

The plan the Scriptures give. 


Some others teach baptism brings 
The Father’s pardon down, 


44 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


And if to this good works they add, 

In heaven they’ll wear a crown. 

But Christ our .Master has us taught 
’Tis not by works we’ve done, 

Salvation only to us comes 

By faith in God’s dear Son. 

And for a Scriptural church they’ve made 
A Universal thing. 

The word immerse to sprinkle changed 
And for it Scripture claim. 

Instead of Christ’s command respect, 

We must be born again.” 

They saints and sinners shelter give, 

And take their babies in. 

So now, my friends if, you’ll observe 
The marks by which we’d know 

A Scriptural church in any age, 

Their folly they will show. 

He said if we his friends would be, 

His word we must obey, 

And any church that changes them 
He’ll surely cast away. 

We learn that seven women will 
To one man. hold that day, 

And say we have our food and dress 
Just take our shame away. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


45 


THE MERRY LITTLE BROOK. 

Into the orchard, 

Down by the road, 

Through the green pasture, 

A little stream flowed. 

Over its bosom 

Dancing in light. 

The ripples did murmur, 

From morning till night. 

“Winter is coming,” 

The little stream said, 

“Then I'll be sleeping 
Snug in my bed.” 

“Now I must hurry, 

It’s pleasant to me; 

Runny- so smoothly, 

Down to the sea.” 

Down to the brooklet 
An idle boy came, 

Chasing a butterfly 
Over the plain. 

Dear little brother, 

So happy and gay, 

Labor is pleasant, 

This beautiful day. 

Things that are useful 
Bring more delight, 

Than chasing a phantom 

From morning till night. 


46 GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 

Be ever ready 

Your portion to share, 

In making life’s burdens 
More easy to bear. 

This brave little laddie 
Returned to his home, 

And carried the water 

And swept out the room. 

Assisted his mother 
The rest of the day, 

And found the experience 
Better than play. 

Thus little children 
Useful may be, 

In lifting the burdens 

From mother you see. 


THE PUZZLED BOY. 

The birds were singing in the trees, 
New honey occupied the bees; 

The cows were lowing in the lane, 
And Bruin struggled at his chain. 

The sun was soaring in the sky, 

A few stray clouds were floating by, 
James Grigg sat down upon the grass 
To watch the people who might pass. 

His mind at once began to act, 

He realized it was a fact, 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


47 


That birds without a teacher sing, 

And bees the honey from flowers bring. 

He could not well the problem solve 
How earth and moon and stars revolve; 
Nor clouds could gather in the sky 
And float above the world so high. 

He wondered what made Bruin sad 
And sometimes even act so bad, 

He seemed to wish the woods to roam 
And with his mate be free at home. 

At last he said, “1 see the truth 
And all of nature abounds in proof, 

That back of all there is a will 
Which teaches things their place to fill. 

He teaches little birds to sing, 

And build their pretty nests in spring; 
He keeps the planets in their course, 

And clouds upon their mission force. 

The claim by chance that all things came, 
Is too ridiculous to name. 

So Darwin, Hume and Ingersoll, 

Down with their foolish talk will fall. 

For every action does incline, 

Our minds to see his hand divine. 

As well as to us plainly show, 

He rules and keeps all things below. 

Then let the fool say in his heart 
No God to me his truth imparts. 

But I'll his gracious name revere 
And live beneath his tender care. 


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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


THE BAD BOYS PUNISHED. 

Johnnie Mills and Billy Stroop 
To ugly things one day did stoop ; 

They killed a bird and robbed the nest 
Of a mother wren and two redbreasts. 

Each then his sympathies did lay down 
And Tabby’s kittens all did drown, 

But not content with what they’d done, 

They to the beehive quick did run. 

We’ll force a stick within the hive 
And see the little fellows strive. 

Both boys at once were put to flight, 

The little creatures served them right. 

For four long days I’ve heard it said: 

Poor John and Billy staid in bed. 

And from that day these little brats 
Have killed no birds and drowned no cats. 

Now may you all my children learn, 

When you for sport to mischief turn, 

Like John and Bill your apt to pay 
A price on which your minds will stay. 


THE JOYOUS HEREAFTER. 

How joyous to know that when life’s work is ended 
These trials and cares will disturb us no more; 
The grief and the sorrow the doubt and forebodings 
Will fade with the gloom on that beautiful shore; 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 49 

The foes that we’ve met in the din of life’s battle; 

The cry of distress that have here us beset, 

Will never again throw a gloom on our mantle, 

Nor heartaches produce when our loved ones 
we’ve met. 


CHORUS— 

O glorious hereafter may time roll the faster 

And bring us to joys on that heavenly shore. 

How happy we’ll be when the saints are all gathered 
And these bodies from sin are forever set free 
The taunts and the sneers, the threats and contention 
Will there be no more for no sorrow we see. 
The days will be bright with his glorious presence 
The fruits from the trees will rich feasts to us give. 
We’ll join in glad songs with the heavenly singers 
And through an unbounded Eternity live. 

CHORUS— 

The source of all pleasure consists in endeavor 

To raise from the mire those defiled by the fall; 
To open their eyes and reclaim them from danger 
And free them from death which at death will 
appall. 

Their conscience void of offense will be made. 

Each thought love will drown in sweet contem¬ 
plation, 

Such pleasures no sinner on earth ever had. 
CHORUS— 

Our feet on life’s highway are fast growing weary; 

The pleasures below do no charms to us give. 
The pathway of earth does each day grow more weary. 
While here ’neath the trials and conflicts we live. 


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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


But let us be patient he ever proves faithful 

And comfort each day to our aching heart brings. 
We must not while to our Lord prove ungrateful 
But praise him together as gladly we sing. 

CHORUS- 


VALUE OF TIME. 

If I were you, my child, today, 

I’d learn my lessons well to say; 

For life cannot be lived again, 

And days at school will have an end. 

The boy who does not waste his time 
Will step by step the ladder climb. 

And soon be called to fill the place 
Which he in youth prepared to face. 

But if when young you throw away 
Your golden moments day by day, 

When out upon life’s sea you sail, 
You’re unprepared, hence you will fail. 

How many men and boys we see, 

From indolence and company, 

Have failed in life to reach the top, 

An idle brain is the Devil’s workshop. 

Then if you wish to reach renown, 

In any sphere of life you’re found, 

You must prepare, my child, today 
And useful knowledge store away. 



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51 


I CAN. 

The boy who says in life “I can” 

Is sure some day to make a man. 

He’ll fight the difficulties strong 
Despite all odds will sail along. 

By manly acts and honest deeds, 

He kills the germs of sinful weeds, 
Which in our lives are sure to grow, 
Unless we pluck them from life’s row. 

If we ourselves would just remind 
That Satan our weak points will find, 
And fortify right well each place, 

He from our pathway soon we’ll chase. 

The boy who fears to do a wrong, 

A man of worth will soon become, 

But he who yields to Satan’s thugs, 
Will ere long into snares be drug. 

Be not by men induced to sin 
And by this means their favor gain. 
Shun evil men and women too 
And imitate the good and true. 


THE LITTLE BIRDS. 

If ever I see young birds in a tree 

Though stronger by far I can boast. 
I must not molest the birds in the nest 
Their parents would surely be lost. 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


I’ve a home made by me and some babies you see, 

If some giant should happen along, 

And carry away my babies some day, 

No more could I sing my glad song. 

Then dear little boy midst your frolic and joy, 

Do not disturb the young birds I pray. 

It’s a fearful thing such sorrow to bring, 

And the losses you never can pay. 

Just listen in spring as they merrily sing 
And endeavor to keep them from harm, 

Then remember my child, you your hands have defiled 
Whenever you give them alarm. 

How sad it would be to your mother and me, 

Should our children be taken away. 

Then let this suffice and take my advice, 

With the mother the young birds must stay. 


THE CONQUERING PILGRIM. 

If you lonely grow my brother 
’Midst the conflicts here below 
If your feet become entangled 
In the snares lain by the foe. 

It should be to you a token, 

That you from his side have strayed, 
And the vows you’ve made have broken, 
These no doubt have you dismayed. 

Should your efforts prove unfruitful 
To the erring ones reclaim; 



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53 


Should your friends become unfaithful: 
And your foes the victory gain, 

This to you is proof my brother, 

That you like Samson lie frolorn; 

In the lap of false Delila, 

With your looks of power shorn. 

Heed at once the admonition, 

To the Lord your sins confess, 

Let the Holy Spirit lead you 

In the paths of righteousness. 

Then your gloom and fears will vanish 
From the snares your feet he’ll take. 

All your efforts prove effectual, 

And your enemy’s power break. 

There is comfort for the Christian 

Who to the Master’s word gives heed. 

There is light upon the pathway 
Of the one who feels His need. 

Thus you see, my erring brother, 

If your road is dark and drear, 

You have left the path of duty 

Which accounts for all you fear. 

You remember Doubting Castle 

Placed beside the pathway there. 

You have noted well the conflict 

Pilgrim had with Giant Despair. 

But when he his roll remembered, 

He the door at once unbarred 

And defied the mighty giant 

Who his peace so greatly marred. 

Let not Satan you entangle 
Bv his sly and cunning art. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Let him not your body mangle 
With his cruel fiery darts. 

Take the shield oi faith he gives you 
Which protects you from all harm, 
With the Spirit’s swords assail him, 
He’ll flee at once in great alarm. 


HIS GREAT LOVE, 

What wondrous love his grace has brought! 
To those who have his mercy sought. 

Such peace and joy his presence give, 

O bliss untold with him to live. 

I would not from his side depart, 

With gladness he has filled my heart; 

He’s rescued me from sin and shame, 

The Lamb for guilty sinners slain. 

Let every tongue his praises sing, 

He is my prophet, priest and king. 

His worth can never be portrayed, 

With Him joint heirs we have been made. 

He has our righteousness become 
And bids our grief and fears be gone. 

He intercedes in heaven for me, 

From condemnation I am free. 

Then let all voices sing His worth 
In every nation of the earth. 

I’ll trust his grace while here I stay 
And lean upon him every day. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


55 


LEROY’S LETTER 

I have a little nephew 

Who lives at Mansfield town, 

And I who am his senior 

Near Bingen walk around. 

I’d like to go and see him, 

Perhaps I will some day, 

When papa me the money gives, 

My railroad fare to pay. 

My nephew’s name is Jackey 
And mine is L. M. B. 

I’m sure his little uncle 
He’s coming soon to see. 

Jack also has a grandpa 

Who would like to see his face, 

And hear his childish prattle, 

The gloom away to chase. 

I think his mamma’s cruel 
To take our pet away, 

Sometime she may consider, 

And let him come and stay. 

Jack has another uncle 

And Dildy is his name. 

I’ve kissed him very often, 

Since to our home he came. 

And now this little letter 
I send to you today. 

Still wishing me a visit, 

Right soon again you’ll pay. 


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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


So come at once to see me, 

Bring pa and ma along, 

And when you reach old Bingen, 

We’ll sing this little song. 

Written by papa for L. M. Byers, Jr., to his little 
nephew, Jack Martin, January 31, 1916. 


DANGERS THAT THREATEN OUR SHIP 
OF STATE 

We feel today our ship of state, 

Near breakers sail, the dangers great; 
Dark, angry clouds above her hang, 

And muttering thunders defiance fling. 

Her submarines old Rome has placed, 

To gore her sides and bring disgrace; 

Upon the flag our fathers won, 

At Yorktown when Cornwallis run. 

But freedom on her lofty height 
Must ne’er give place to moral night, 

And rights for which our fathers died 
By Popes must not be set aside. 

Arouse, ye patriots, strong and brave, 

Arise from sleep, your liberties save. 

Oppose each politician now 

Who to Rome’s mandates ever bow. 

By cunning, sly and artful tricks 
Rome does our laws with leaven mix, 

Unless we rise enmass today, 

She will our rights all take away. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


57 


Rome boasts that she for freedom stands, 

But if our eyes we cast to lands, 

Where the Pope the people dominate, 

There is a sad and mournful state. 

Then drive this foreign vampire out, 

And all his force put to rout, 

To their way of worship they have a right 
But church and state shall not unite. 

Why statesmen do not plainly see 
In France and Spain and Italy 
And all the nations of the East 
Are robbed and ruined by this beast. 

But God forbid this apostate church 
Should on our secular power perch, 

And ride till all our freedom’s lost 
Our fathers bought; great price it cost. 

Let’s rise, protect our ship of state, 

A few more years may be too late. 

We’ll send this monster old and lame 
Back to the Tiber from whence he came. 

When they say peace and safety, then cometh sud¬ 
den destruction. 


RIGHTEOUSNESS AGAINST SIN 

Awake, my soul, from slumber’s night, 
The battle wage for truth and right; 
We face a foe both strong and brave, 
Who seeks all times his cause to save. 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


He builds great fortifications strong, 
Equips his men with sin and wrong; 
They these and other missiles throw. 

At all who over life’s road go. 

But every soldier of the cross 
Need fear no harm nor suffer loss. 

If they themselves will now put on 
Their coat of mail and march along. 

Salvation’s helmet which is hope 
Your mind protects from Satan’s dope. 
The breast plate on you too must place, 
Which keeps your life from sad disgrace. 

Also if you your enemy rout. 

Your loins with truth must girt about; 
Then if your feet with shoes are shod. 
You can the gospel message spread. 

This armor has another part 
By which we quench his fiery darts, 
The shield of faith just take along 
And you’re protected from sin and wrong. 

With these the road of life you plod, 
Your sword in hand, the word of God, 
There will no foe in Satan’s band 
Before this armored soldier stand. 

Then soldiers of the cross be strong, 
The enemy’s lines we’ll take ere long. 

In chains the leader will at last 
Into a pit of gloom be cast. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


59 


THE WISE KITTENS. 

Old Tommy and the tabby cat 
Raised a family of kittens fat 
One’s name was Jack the other Jill 
Then Pussy May and Ugly Phil. 

While they were young the parents wise 
Feared Johnnie Green would them baptize. 
They hid them in the fodder loft, 

Prepared a bed both warm and soft. 

But Jack would bite and scratch at Gill 
And Pussy May slap Ugly Phil, 

Poor Tabby would her children chide, 

And say young folks should have more pride. 

One day wise Gill and Ugly Phil 
A lizard found by the stable sill, 

They cried to Jack and Pussy May, 

A kangaroo we’ve found today. 

But Jack who thought himself quite wise, 
With a twinkle in his clear blue eyes, 

Said, “Nothing you two seem to know 
This is a whale, they travel so.” 

But Pussy May rebuked wise Jack 
And said, “It is a certain fact 
This beast an elephant must be 
His tail is long and smooth you see.” 

From this they fell into dispute, 

They each one held they’d guessed the brute 

But Tommy came upon the scene 

And said, “You children must be green. 


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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


“This is nothing more than a lizard small, 
You found beside the stable wall.” 

So Jack and Gill and Pussy May and 
And Ugly Phil all ran away. 


THE CRY OF ANGUISH. 

How fearful must have been the weight 
Which caused our Lord to cry. 

In anguish as the Father left 
His son alone to die. 

All we like sheep had gone astray 
And from God’s favor fell. 

So Christ our Savior for us felt 
The agonies of Hell. 

It was for crimes that we had done, 

He hung there crucified, 

And from his side the blood flowed down, 

Which God’s law satisfied. 

He kept the law and died for me; 

The third day rose again, 

That God might just and righteous be 
To save a soul from sin. 

Perhaps it will take the righteous in heaven and the 
wicked in hell an eternity to realize what the Son of 
God suffered the three hours he was suffering for the 
sins of a lost world. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


61 


THE SOURCE OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 

Suppose you should traverse the seas 
And every mystery learn in these, 

Each land of earth and mine explore 
Your millions of gold and wealth adore, 

All this and more will not you bless 
Another gem you must possess. 

Should you know all of nature’s laws; 

All knowledge state without a pause 
A universal empire sway; 

And know the planet’s course each day; 
Your life would close in doubt and gloom; 
True joy and peace would find no room. 

True pleasure earthly things don’t give, 

By them with God you cannot live. 

When Alexander’s race was run 
He wept because his work was done. 

Went down to death in grim despair, 

His pomp and glory perished there. 

But seek ye first his peace to know 
And on the poor kind words bestow. 

Let truth along your way be spread 
With friend and foe divide your bread. 

Then at the close of life you’ll be 
Prepared true joy and peace to see. 


ZION’S WATCHMAN. 

The watchman stands on Zion’s wall 
And to the people loud does call. 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


There is a road though very straight 
Leads all who will to heaven’s gate. 

Thousands this way with bleeding feet 
Have traveled to a safe retreat. 

Abel, Noah and Abraham 

Did through it join the happy band. 

Another is broad and leads to death 
And Satan governs it himself. 

He has made it broad and smooth you know 
So men will down to misery go. 

He leads'his thousands year by year, 

Who of God’s wrath seem not to care. 
Right down into the jaws of death 
By means he has devised himself. 

Then let me warn you one and all 
To heed the voice from Zion’s wall. 

If you neglect your doom will be 
Despair throughout Eternity. 


SPRINGTIME. 

Did you ever hear the lowing 
Of the cattle in the lane? 

When the rain was gently falling 
O'n the garden, fields and plain? 

Did you ever hear the chatter 
Of the little birds in spring? 
And the cooing of the pigeons 
As they rise upon the wing? 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


63 


Just go out in early morning 

When the breezes gently blow. 

Feel the pleasant glow if springtime 
And the joys of nature know. 

Then to see the sturdy farmer, 
Plowing corn and raking hay. 

Brings a thought at once to memory, 
Rest is sweet at close of day. 

If you would be happy brother, 

Wander out o’er fields and plain, 

Lend a hand to those who gather, 

In the waving golden grain. 


THE USEFUL BOY. 

If you, my little laddie, 

Your task should fail to do, 

And spend your hours idly 
To foolish things pursue. 

Would it not be much better 
Your time to well imploy? 

And show to grown up people 
You are a useful boy. 

The idler into mischief 
Is very apt to go, 

And bring upon his pathway 

Much sorrow, grief and woe. 

There are cows to drive to pasture, 
And wood to split and bring; 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


The mules to feed and water, 

And corn to hoe in spring. 

These things are very needful 
And must be done each day; 
They give your hands employment, 
And bring more gain than play. 


TOO LATE. 

A youth whose hands and feet were bound 
With shackles strong, in sorrow found, 
Transgression’s ways are hard to go 
And always lead to grief and woe. 

His mind went back to former days 
Before he walked in sinful ways. 

Why did I not wise counsel take 
And not cause aged hearts to break? 

But now I must the sentence pay 
From home and friends be forced away. 

My freedom with my name is gone, 

A felon’s cell to be my home. 

Young men, this counsel take from me, 

Your name is clear your hands are free, 

Don’t choose companions of the class 
Who in sin’s ways their moments pass. 

These chains upon my body now; 

This weight of care upon my brow; 

Are fruits of seed I learned to sow, 

From those with whom I chose to go. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


65 


TRUE FRIENDS OF CHRIST. 

Though he was rich, yet for our sakes 
Became extremely poor. 

We should true honor to him give, 

By trying to serve him more. 

If we his friends profess to be 
And then our means withhold. 

It proves the love we had for him 
Has grown extremely cold. 

The Lord has told us in his word, 

If we, our brother see, 

In need of clothes and daily food, 

Or destitute should be. 

We shut our bowels of mercy up 
And from him turn away. 

How dwells the love of God in us 
Who His words disobey? 

Just mere profession friends will not 
In this plain case apply. 

He said, “Be doers of the word,” 

And him you’ll satisfy. 

Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.— 
James. 


DECEPTION. 

Paul stood beside the barn one day 
Where he’d from duty fled. 



€6 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


His father told him wood to bring, 

He chased the calf instead. 

His father to him loud did call, 

The boy did slowly come, 

Out from his hiding place and cried, 
Tve badly cut my thumb. 

The lad before his sire stood 
As modest as a lamb. 

And said, “If you will patient be, 

FI have that wood in time.” 

Thus .children often for their wrongs 
Will try to make excuse. 

And make strong arguments to prove 
Them you should not abuse. 

But if we stop awhile to think 
How grQwn up people do. 

We’ll find it often is the case 
With me, as well as you. 


GOD ON SINAI. 

When God his people up did lead 
To Sinai’s foot from bondage freed, 

He uttered forth from out the cloud 
His indignation strong and loud. 

The people, trembling, with Moses plead, 
Let words no more to us be said. 

We’ve sinned and, therefore, can’t abide 
This awful voice from Sinai’s side. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


67 


At this Jehovah did invite 

Moses to come to the mountain height. 

Such powerful words the Father spake, 

His servant said, “I fear and quake/’ 

While there the Lord in Moses’ sight, 

The law on tables of stone did write. 

And bade him to the people go, 

That they his precepts all might know. 

But when he to the camp came near, 

He had great cause again to fear. 

The people to Aaron had brought their gold, 
And asked that he a calf would mold. 

In anger, the plates did he let fall, 

This shocking deed did him appall, 

To see them bow, to such a thing 
That to them could no succor bring. 

Again God’s wrath was kindled anew 
He numbers of the wicked slew. 

Their leader again for them did pray, 

That he his angry hand would stay. 

When Moses had new tables hewn, 

Jehovah wrote upon the stone 
The law which many years did rest 
Within the ark in Israel’s midst. 

God by his law condemns the race, 

It hides us from his loving face. 

By it no sinner ever can live, 

It is too great to grapple with. 

This wrath displayed on Sinai first 
Did there on Calvary’s victim burst. 


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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Now God through him can righteous be, 
And save a guilty wretch like me. 


THE DEMON OF DRINK. 

O' mighty and dreadful strong demon of drink, 

How many poor victims in Hell do you think? 

Will curse you forever for the mischief you’ve done, 
By causing your lives to such misery come? 

The Devil has used you through long ages past, 

The lives of so many forever to blast. 

Your charms are successful the unwary to catch, 

And from their weak hands all their comforts to snatch. 

I would warn all my friends your vile presence to shun, 
And in consternation far from you to run; 

You always seek slyly their favor to gain, 

Then drag down their lives into misery and shame. 

If I had the power I’d do it today, 

Thrust you into chains and a captive you’d stay, 

While time here endured you’d molest us no more, 

And the wail of your victims ne’er be heard as before. 

Then demon, vile demon, flee now from our state 
Your actions have caused us your presence to hate; 
We aim from the nation your person to free, 

We’ll fight you severely till such victory we see. 

You have ruined our homes and our fairest have slain; 
Our orphans you’ve sent in the cold and the rain; 

Our widows have raised such a pitiful wail; 

We’ve decided at last to debar your free sale. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


69 


Thou enemy to happiness to truth and to right 
So dark is the picture so sad is the plight, 

We bid you defiance, depart from us now, 

No longer in fear to your scepter we’ll bow. 

Your forces are quailing before our strong guns 
Your army’s retreating your soldiers now run. 

A few more strong battles we’ll put you to rout, 

And have you completely from business put out. 

The cries of the widows and orphans made such by 
the use of intoxicating drinks should make us cry out 
against it. 


THE HOLY CITY. 

Come all ye weary pilgrims, 

And listen now to me; 

I’ll tell you of a city, 

I long so much to see. 

It has a firm foundation, 

Its streets are paved with gold; 

The walls are built of jasper, 

Their beauty is untold. 

I’m sure we’ll be delighted, 

The gates are made of pearl; 

And Jesus is the light thereof, 

The one who saves the world. 

John saw the city coming 

From heaven down to earth, 

Descending through the skies it came, 
Prepared the Lamb to serve. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


TWO JOLLY TRAVELERS. 

There were two jolly travelers 
Out on the road one day, 

The one was Jimmy Skuddles 
The other Peter Spray. 

Jim plucked the hair on Peter’s horse, 
The creature took alarm 

And threw his heels into the air, 

The doctor set Pete’s arm. 

But Jimmy’s horse was frightened too 
At Peter’s summersault, 

And ran into a thicket, 

Though James him tried to halt. 

In the midst of a thorny bramble 
He threw his merry load, 

Pete lay in pain beside him 

Near that now, lonesome road. 

James badly scratched from head to foot 
In tattered garments clad. 

Declared too sad once lively Pete 
That he’d a lesson had. 


DIVES. 

We read in the Bible 
Of Dives of old, 

Who during his life 

Had much silver and gold. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


71 


His table was spread 

With rich food every day, 

Fine garments he wore 
His wealth to display. 

And thought that because 
He was Abraham’s son, 

It was needless to repent 

Of the deeds he had done. 

But death came at last 
And took him away. 

His soul went to torment 
His body to decay. 

In horror he cried, 

“Send Lazarus I pray, 

Some water to bring 
My thirst to allay.” 

But Abraham answered, 
“Remember my son, 

While in life you had comforts 
But Lazarus had none.” 

“You let there earth’s pleasures 
Cause you to neglect, 

To repent of your sins 

And your interest protect.” 

“Forever in flames 

Of torment you’ll dwell, 

God’s vengeance endure 

In the dark pits of Hell.” 

“Then send him to earth 

My four brothers to warn, 


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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


They will follow my steps 

He from sin may them turn.” 

“They have Moses and prophets, 
Who if they neglect, 

Though one rose from the dead, 
Would his counsel reject.” 

O why will men blindly 
God’s counsel refuse, 

And through sinful pleasures 
A home in flames choose. 

But the Devil’s deluding 
His millions today, 

Who like sinful Dives 

The debt there will pay. 

Because we are stubborn, 

And fail to believe, 

Will never in Torment 
Our sufferings relieve. 

Then take this example, 

Lost sinner today, 

Repent of your sins 

And from Hell turn away. 

Poor Dives astounded 
Awoke in that state 
And realized sadly 

He’d waited too late. 


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73 


“SO” EMPHASIZED. 

So is only a little word, 

But in the language of the Lord, 

It shows the extent of the Father’s love, 
When he sent his Son from heaven above. 

For God SO LOVED the world below 
And man SO FAR from him did go. 

It cost our Savior pangs SO GREAT 
To rescue us from such a state. 

SO LOVED, the meaning is too deep, 

Too broad and high around to leap. 

SO FATHOMLESS beyond the ken 
Of finite minds to comprehend. 

But then this glorious truth I see, 

That God’s SO LOVE has rescued me. 

From Satan’s dark and sad domain, 

By death he broke the captives chain. 

Let’s spread the news that GOD’S SO LOVE, 
Returned again to the realms above, 

To prepare for me sufficient room 
In heaven’s fair and happy home. 

SO marks as well to the deep extent, 

Sin by the fall the race has sent. 

It will take eternal pangs to show 

The meaning of the MONOSYLLABIC SO. 

When Israel in the desert sinned 
And God to punish did serpents send. 

SO LOVE in type was raised to view 
No work did he them ask to do. 


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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


If we in peace would see his face, 

We must accept his sovereign grace, 

We’ll have a home with him above, 

Alone through the merit of GOD’S SO LOVE. 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should 
not perish but have everlasting life. 


CONTRAST IN THE DEATH OF A CHRISTIAN 
AND A SINNER. 

An aged pilgrim saw the sun 
Of life was low, his race was run; 

The dim horizon came to view, 

Where earth gives way to heaven new. 

He stood and gazed upon the scene, 

His mind was calm his peace serene, 

Said he, “ ’Tis but a step for me 
Across this stream to the jasper sea.” 

“The charms of earth from me have fled, 

To Jordan cross I have no dread, 

For I am sure he by my side 
With rod and staff will be my guide.” 

“In youth I chose him as my stay 
His Spirit has led me all the way, 

He’ll not forsake me in the end 
On his strong arm I will depend.” 

“My friends farewell, his voice I hear, 

He bids me come his bliss to share, 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


75 


I will meet you on that peaceful shore 
But here Til hear your voice no more.” 

Another wrinkled, stooped and old, 

Stood by death’s stormy waters cold, 

His life in sin and pleasure spent, 

Had found no time here to repent. 

He gazed awhile upon death’s stream, 

And said, “I would it were a dream, 

This river I must cross alone, 

What anguish of soul to me has come!” 

“I have Satan served throughout my days 
And followed sin’s pernicious ways. 

A gapping, yawning hell I see, 

The flames already frighten me.” 

All joy and peace and love adieu! 

My friends, farewell! I say to you. 

No more I’ll ever your faces behold, 

Such sorrow and anguish now fill my soul.” 

“I’m lost! vile demons drag me down 
To the pits of ruin I see them frown; 

In darkness the waters now me o’erflow, 

I chose my road and now must go.” 


OVER THERE. 

Across the dark and stormy river, 

In that land of perfect day, 

There the saints and elect angels 

Will through countless ages stay. 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


There no pain nor death can enter, 

Grief and sorrow ne’er can come 

To molest our quiet spirits, 

In the Christian’s peaceful home. 

Friends will be to friends united, 
Strangers none will ever be; 

But one large and happy family, 

Where our Father’s face we’ll see. 

There the tree of life will shadow, 

Life’s fair stream so clear and bright, 

Where upon its banks we’ll gather 
Glorious stream of pure delight. 

In that city, with our Master, 

Saints and angels, kindred, friends, 

We our crowns will cast before him, 

And to him true worth extend. 


THE SUNBEAM. 

Once a sparkling little sunbeam 
Strayed into a shady nook, 

Caused a little drooping flower 

To thrive beside the little brook. 

By chance there came a little maiden 
To this gloomy spot one day, 

Plucked this flower so white and lovely 
With others gathered on the way. 

She went to the home of crippled Willie 
Placed them on his window sill 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


And to his life brought in the sunshine 

Which made his mind with rapture thrill. 

Sometimes deeds which seem mere trifles 
Bring more pleasure on life’s way. 

Than great acts by those intended 
To their liberal deeds display. 


RELIGION FOR GAIN. 

Since Alexander the copper smith 
Withstood the words of Paul, 

For fear his craft would injured be 
And trade away would fall. 

Men who profess his name to know 
Decline for truth to stand. 

But seek the pleasure of all to gain 
Which is the Devil’s plan. 

The merchant that he may obtain 
Trade which he thinks he needs, 

And shows himself quite liberal 
By all his words and deeds, 

Will seek a clerk from every faith 
The town and country round, 

And they for fear they’ll lose their job, 
Will their convictions drown. 

The politicians of our day, 

In view of sad defeat, 

Or lest they should some one offend, 

And opposition meet, 

Will sanction almost any thing 
That wears religion’s cloak, 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


They say that all should live in peace, 

And not disputes provoke. 

Our preachers, doctors, teachers, men 
Who should for truth contend 
And honor God by faithful lives, 

Sore persecution stand, 

Instead have crafts in jeopardy 
Their voices fail to raise 
In honor of his blessed truth 
His glorious name to praise. 

And thus for gain God’s precious words 
For gain are set aside, 

And false professors take the place 
Of faithful soldiers tried, 

Till truth has come to ill repute, 

And scoffers now are rife 
The love of many has grown cold, 

Our churches have no life. 

Arise ye faithful few today, 

The banner must not fall. 

The faith for which our fathers died 
Proclaim from Zion’s wall. 

With sword in hand sin’s bulwarks storm 
The enemy we must rout. 

And not permit old Satan’s hosts 
To crush Christ’s power out. 


THE SAINT’S BRIGHT HOME. 

Has the Master showed us clearly 
In the book that he has given? 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


79 


Where the saints his blood has purchased 
Will enjoy the bliss of heaven. 

Will it be some far off planet 

Out in space to which we’ll fly? 

When the spirit leaves the body 

Which we know ere long must die. 

Or will the angels waft our spirits 
To the Paradise above? 

To await the resurrection 

Of our bodies from the grave? 

Will we not then with our Master 
To this earth again return? 

Which he said we should inherit 

And with him here forever reign. 

Will he not from sin reclaim it? 

And down from heaven that city bring? 

Which John said he saw descending. 

Adorned to serve the heavenly king. 

When his redemptive work is finished, 

His soul sore travel satisfied, 

He’ll turn the kingdom to the Father 
And dwell forever with His bride. 


WHY SHOULD WE SIGH? 

Why should we sigh when loved ones die 
And go to climes above? 

We’ll follow on the way they’ve gone, 

If we the Savior love. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


These ties are dear, which hold us here 
In nature’s close embrace. 

They’ll severed be when we are free 
From earth’s long weary race. 

In fields of green sweet peace serene 
Will take the place of care. 

We’ll part no more on that bright shore, 
But heaven’s glories share. 

Yes, heaven will be so dear to me, 
Because the people there 

Will be redeemed from sin the same 
And all his nature share. 

Then let us strive while we’re alive 
To lead lost sinners home, 

That when we meet at Jesus’ feet, 

We’ll hear him say well done. 


CARDS AND WINE. 

Boys, do not spend your time 
In playing cards and drinking wine. 

The cards will not your time repay 
And wine will sting another day. 

The gambler’s grave is filled with shame 
The drunkard leaves no worthy name. 
Then if you wish to save your time 
Don’t play with cards nor sup at wine. 

Don’t waste your time with triffles here, 
Because there is another sphere, 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


81 


In which you’ll think of the preacher’s rhyme 
And wish you could redeem the time. 

The gambler’s life is filled with woes, 

The drunkard comes to shabby clothes; 

He sees all kinds of ugly things, 

And in the end the adder stings. 

Then boys, I pray you, use your time 
For nobler things than cards and wine. 

But be a blessing while you’re here, 

That heaven’s comforts you may share. 


CHRIST’S KINGDOM. 

The prophet Daniel had foretold 

In the book which bears his name, 

That Christ a kingdom would set up 
Of universal fame. 

The time drew nigh of which he spake, 
That he to earth would come. 

And build his house upon a rock, 

A sure foundation strong. 

The Christ was born in Bethlehem 
According to the word. 

And proved he was the one to whom 
The prophet had referred. 

The harbinger did him precede 
A people to prepare, 

Of these he took and built his church, 
The Scriptures so declare. 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


He clothed her with His sovereign power, 
His laws to execute, 

And on the night he was betrayed 
Did the supper institute. 

Baptism which alone means dip, 

Immerse or cover up, 

He made the door into his house 
And then the bread and cup. 

To this same church before he left 
The great Commission gave, 

And said go tell to all the world, 

I died the lost to save. 

Baptize believers in the name 
Of Father, Son and Spirit, 

Teach them my laws they must observe 
If they my favor merit. 

Down through the ages you shall go, 

My spirit as your guide. 

And though the gates of Hell be strong, 

You shall to victory glide. 

Now after nineteen centuries long 
His churches are arrayed 

Against his foes are waging war, 

In proof of what he said. 

The Bridegroom soon will come again 
To take the Bride away 

Then will the kingdom come with power 
His glory to display. 


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83 


THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. 

Alas! that men will careless be 
In reference to their destiny. 

While in regard to matters here 
They manifest the greatest care. 

To earthly gains their minds incline 
And fail to seek the life Divine. 

Till God to them the summons sends, 
Which is too late their ways to mend. 

They hoard up treasures and never know 
That strangers reap where misers sow, 
Down to the grave they go alone, 

Their spirits in the flames to groan. 

Then let our minds on higher plains. 

Be placed below than earthly gains. 

Life is too short the grave too near 
To trifle with such interests here. 


WINTER. 

In the sighing and the crying, 

In the gloom of life, 

Joy and peace beneath are lying 
To aid us in the strife. 

Amidst the snowing and the blowing, 
Amidst the wintry cold. 

In pleasant homes warm fires are glowing, 
The comfort is untold. 



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In the brushing and the rushing, 

In this sad world today, 

Many lives the strong are crushing, 

In sorrow by life’s way. 

Thus their record by sin checkered, 

Will appear at last; 

And God’s wrath will then be echoed, 

By the trumpet blast. 

If we the weary whose path was dreary 
Have joy and comfort brought, 

We’ll not be fearing when the port we’re nearing, 
The boon for which we sought. 


THE WONDERFUL CHRIST. 

Of his goodness we’ll sing, 

What a wonderful thing, 

That when sinners had wandered away. 
Christ would suffer so great 
And submit to such fate 
As to die for vile sinners that day. 

Your name we’ll revere 
Through our pilgrimage here, 

For his power can never be told. 

How he rescues lost men; 

And redeems them from sin, 

So that love and true peace fills their soul. 

Let us speak of his fame, 

And his mercy proclaim 

To the fallen we meet on life’s road, 



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For his mercy is great, 

And will never abate, 

’Tis the tender compassion of God. 

Then sinner draw near, 

And his message you’ll hear. 

He descended from heaven above. 

When we were undone, 

Our salvation he won, 

And our hearts have been filled with his love. 

Then will you today 
From your sins turn away? 

And be cleansed by his own precious blood? 

How in heaven there’s room 

For all who will come 

And be bathed in the life giving blood. 

Blind folded you’ll go 
Down to misery and woe, 

If his counsel you fail to accept, 

Then you I entreat 
Fall down at his feet, 

And by him from such misery be kept. 


THE INCARNATION. 

Amazing love which caused my Lord 
Man’s nature to assume. 

And bear the sneers and taunts of men 
Our sins to overcome. 

Such punishment our sins provoked 
He laid his crown aside, 



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And came to earth and with man’s guilt 
Became identified. 

And when God’s law he’d kept in full 
A cruel death he died, 

And all the claims which held us fast, 

He fully satisfied. 

Then who would not His name adroe? 
Who suffered for our sake; 

And from the grave triumphant came, 
The claim of death to break. 

Our souls from sin he has redeemed, 

No guilt against them rests. 

And when the trump of God shall sound, 
Our bodies will be blest. 


WAR. 

All Europe now is drenched in blood, 
Destruction travels as a flood. 

The muskets flash, the cannons roar, 

And terror fills all minds galore. 

Why such destruction of men and means, 
To satisfy the greed of kings, 

And swell the coffers of the rich, 

But the poor it casts into the ditch. 

The beast his maw again will fill, 

For human life he’s longing still; 

He hoped his power again to sway 
And thus he planned this sad affray. 



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But soon our Lord will come again, 

And Satan’s rule will have an end. 

The nations will learn war no more, 

But peace will reach from shore to shore. 

Their swords will into plowshares beat 
To till the soil the fruit to eat. 

Their spears to pruning hooks will turn, 
And all the war implements will burn. 


SHINE YOUR LIGHT. 

Do not let your light my brother 
Shine out dimly on the way. 

Some poor wanderer you may rescue 
From a life of sin today. 

Christ has bid us help the lost ones, 

Back into the pathway come; 

And if our lamps are trimmed and burning, 
We may guide the wanderer home. 

But if the light within be darkness, 

And we sleep when duty calls; 

We may cause some trembling sinner 
Down into the pit to fall. 

Let your light shine brightly, brother, 

What a joy ’twill be to know! 

When we reach the banks of Jordan, 

The path we did to sinners show. 

And when we come to face our record 
At the judgment seat of Christ, 



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We can lay some sheaves before Him 
That we’ve gathered in the strife. 


THE GLAD MESSAGE. 

I would I were able to sound the glad message 
So all of earth’s millions might hear, 

I would picture the wonderful plan of redemption, 
Which rescues the fallen from fear. 

I would tell the terms which he offers are easy 
Just repent and believe is the cry, 

I would say that the message He brought from the 
Father 

Says, I’m not willing that any should die. 

O the grief and the sorrow that sin has brought to us, 
No mortal can ever compute, 

The agents of Satan are working and striving, 

The words of our Lord to refute. 

God’s people seem cold and have lost their affection 
For the truth which they once did admire. 
They’re striving to gain more of earth’s sordid treasure, 
Their minds to such things now aspire. 

The time must be near which the Bridegroom related. 

He would come and the masses would find 
Engaged in the things which would bring to them 
sorrow, 

Too many are now of this kind. 



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THE PRICELESS GEMS. 

If I could on fame’s pinacle rise, 

And soar the intellectual skies; 

Had wisdom’s key within my grasp: 
Could wield a mighty and fluent shaft; 

I’d exchange it all for the peace within, 
Which the love of God imputes to men. 

If I could reap the fields of earth, 

The produce sell obtain its worth, 

Then drag the seas for every gem; 

Earth’s mines possess and what’s in them, 
I’d give them for a home on high, 

Which we’ll inhabit by and by. 

Had I an earthly throne today, 

Which reached from sea to sea away; 

If men of every name and race; 

Would homage pay my name to grace; 

’Twould prove too small nor half compare 
With our joint heirship over there. 


SAM AND JOE 

Sam Small and Joe Jenkins, 
For fun were renowned; 
But sometimes their mischief 
On them would rebound. 

They went to the patch 
Of Tom Barton one day, 
To slip out his melons 

And poor Tom dismay. 



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Tom saw them advancing 
His melons to seize; 

He took some poke berries, 

His gun filled with these. 

He slipped to a thicket 
Some ten yards or so, 

And emptied both barrels 
At Sammy and Joe. 

So soon as the sound 

Of the gun died away, 

They fell to the ground 

And these words did each say 

Sam said: “I’ve expected 
For many a day 

To die for my mischief 
In a violent way. 

“The blood is now flowing 
From wounds in my head. 

A few more short moments 
And I will be dead.” 

Poor Joe cried in anguish: 

“I’m shot in the back; 

My wounds are now gushing; 

I’ve made my last track.” 

Their cries brought the doctor, 
Who chanced to pass by. 

Tom gave him the wink, 

Then each uttered a sigh. 


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“Poor boys, what a pity 
To die in this way, 

And bring to your parents 
Such sorrow today.” 

The doctor examined 

Each boy and then said: 

“This is poke berry juice, 

That I see on Sam’s head.” 

Then looking at Joe’s 

Fatal wounds in the back, 

The doctor pronounced, 

They would heal for a fact. 

The boys now recovered 

From the shock and a fright, 

Arose and confessed, 

Tom had served them just right. 

This settled their fun, 

For they never again 

Were known to steal melons 
From women or men. 


UGLY PETER VICK 

Did you ever hear the story 
Of poor ugly Peter Vick, 

Who ’twas said he was so ugly, 

That to see him made you sick? 

When he came before his children 
Had to cover up his head, 



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Else they’d all become so frightened 
That they’d have to go to bed. 

Qnce he met a mule and a donkey, 

As he walked along the road. 

One dashed out into the thicket, 

Which with thorns and briars was sown 

The donkey brayed, reversed his footsteps, 

Back the road his feet had trod. 

And you never could drive either 
By the place they saw him plod. 

One fair day two children met him, 

From his presence quickly fled. 

And returned unto their mother, 

And hid themselves behind the bed. 

But the sadest thing that happened 
To poor Vick upon the way; 

Was the time he went to market 

To buy his horse some corn and hay. 

Some men mistook him for a baboon, 

Threw a lasso o’er his head. 

Though Pete told them he was human, 

They said, “That humans wear men’s heads.” 

So he had to get the sheriff 

To release him from their grip. 

Since that day he sends another 
To relieve him of the trip. 

Now old Peter wears a cover 
Ever on his sinful head; 

And the light he does extinguish 

At night before he goes to bed. 


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If at morn he to the barnyard 
Goes without his cover on, 

Mules and hens and geese and turkeys 
From the lot will all be gone. 

Poor old Vick at last departed 
This sad life and went to rest. 

And they placed upon his tombstone, 
“This ugly man will sure be blest.” 

For here below all things opposed him— 
Men, women, fowls and beasts. 

But he’s gone beyond their power; 

May his ashes rest in peace. 

But after death came other troubles. 

They said his body must not be 
Placed within the country churchyard, 

Or the dead would restless be. 

So they placed him in his garden 

To sleep in peace ’till judgment day, 
Then perhaps his ugly features 

Will improve the people say. 


IS 

“Is is a verb,” the teacher cried 
To Johnnie in the class. 

The word John parsed quite readily, 
The teacher did him pass. 

But John with mischief in his eyes 
Said, “Teacher, if you please, 



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It is a noun, sometimes you see, 
When verbs it does precede.” 


THE SEASONS 

Winter brings the snow and sleet, 

Cold winds hard against you beat; 

Trees look dead and their limbs are bare; 
Cows go shivering everywhere. 

Spring returns, warm showers to bring; 
Birds go merrily on the wing; 

Flowers bloom in every nook, 

By the swiftly running brook. 

Summer comes with ripening corn, 

We rake the hay in the field and lawn, 
And sit beneath the shady trees 
The honey rob from busy bees. 

When autumn comes to gather in 
The ripe, golden, yellow grain, 

Then house away our winter store, 
Life’s blessings down upon us pour. 


JOHN AND MAY 

In the snowing and the blowing, 
Out upon the lake, 

John and May went out a rowing, 
A pleasure trip to take. 




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Amidst the dashing- and the splashing, 

John overboard did fall. 

May cried, “The boat the waves are crashing, 
They surely me appall.” 

“Poor John, perhaps I'll never see him!” 

Just then came his head. 

The water from his nostrils freeing 
And this to her he said: 

“Pm frozen to death, can you assist me 
To get within the boat?” 

May pulled him in and to the shore, 

Well water soaked she brought. 

No more for pleasure nor treasure, 

These two have ventured out; 

They stay at home in pretty weather, 

In foul they fret and pout. 


JESUS THE CARPENTER’S SON 

All honor ascribed to the carpenter’s son, 

Who up to young manhood his task was well done. 
But when to the age of thirty he reached, 

He travelled about His own gospel to preach. 


He cured many people of divers disease, 

From death raised poor Lazarus hies sisters to please. 
Thus He proved that with power from God He was 
imbued, 

And through the three years loving deeds He pursued. 



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He comfort did bring to the homes of the sad 
And those in distress He would often make glad. 

All praise we’ll ascribe to the carpenter’s son. 

For what He’s accomplished, for what He has done. 

All heaven and earth can his worth never tell, 
Though angels and men the glad chorus swell. 

By death He has conquered the enemy of men, 

And him to dark regions of hell He will send. 

Yes, glory, salvation, redemption and life 

Have come by His death we are free from the strife; 

Then let us sing praises for what He has done, 

To Jesus our Savior the carpenter’s son. 

He died but the grave could not hold His fair form; 
He broke the strong bands and rose the third morn: 
Now freedom from sin and the grave He has won; 

All glory to Jesus the carpenter’s son. 


SING HIS WORTH. 

Let us sing of His mercy all the day; 

Let us talk of the pleasures by the way: 
Then our hearts will leap for joy, 

And His words our tongues employ, 

As we travel o’er the rugged path of life. 

Let us help the weak and fallen on the road; 
Let us share our part to carry of life’s load; 
Then our hearts will brighter be, 

And our minds from care be free, 

As we struggle with the trials on life’s road. 



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97 


Let us try to keep our lives from sin and shame; 
Let us tell the worth of Jesus’ blessed name; 
Then our lives a light will be, 

Men from Satan’s snares will be free, 

As we gently down the stream are sailing on. 

Let us break the bread of life to fallen men; 

Let us show them that He died to free from sin: 
Then some sheaves we’ll have to bring 
To present before our King, 

As we come into His presence on that day. 

Let us never any evil advertise; 

Let us try to help the fallen ones to rise; 

Then our hearts will purer be, 

And our hands from blood be free, 

When we come to stand the test before His throne. 


CONVICTION. 

I hear a wail from the darkness, 

’Tis the cry of anguish and pain; . 

Like the prayer of a sinner convicted, 

And seeking salvation to gain. 

O, the weight that rests on the bosOm! 

Of the sinner convinced of his wrongs. 
When his deeds rise before him like mountains, 
And the fetters of death hold him strong. 

He exhausts all the material before him, 

And tries by good deeds to reclaim 
Himself from the shackels of satan, 

But gets no relief from his pain. 



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Then in his despair he surrenders, 

Just take me O, Lord, as I am; 

No price I can pay for redemption, 

My works are a miserable sham. 

Just here is where God meets the sinner, 

On Jesus’ merit alone, 

And the beauty of Heaven breaks on him, 

Christ died for our sins to atone. 

He did all the work that was needed, 

The sinner from such is to cease. 

Just trust Him for life which he gives you, 

And your soul will be filled with His peace. 


HELL. 

If I, lost man, to you could tell, 

The state of a poor lost soul in hell, 

I’d picture the anguish and the pain, 

That on each soul always remain. 

I’d make you feel before you go 

The gloom and sorrow and grief and woe, 

That come to those that by their sin, 

At death to that vile place pass in. 

I’d show you your companions there, 

Who through the flames at you will stare. 
Perhaps your life has led them down 
Through endless years at you to frown. 

I’d lead your mind to realize, 

That awful darkness shrieks and cries, 



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99 


With which you’ll ever have to bear, 

When you the devil’s misery share. 

Eternity with no release, 

But on and on to never cease, 

With darkness, devils, sin and crimes, 

Vile men below will spent their time. 

The picture’s sad, but yet ’tis true, 
Remember, friend, I speak to you. 

God’s vengeance there will thrust you down, 
Unless from sin you turn around. 


GEORGE TRELLIS. 

George Trellis was a handsome boy, 

For looks could not be beat; 

His clothes were of the latest style, 

And fit from head to feet. 

But George to books was not inclined, 

He thought them dull and dry; 

His mind on clothes and pleasure dwelt, 
To work he would not try. 

He snubbed the boys and girls who would 
Their moments well employ, 

But spent his time with idle men, 

Who will the young decoy. 

Thus George while young, in idleness 
Had vicious habits formed; 

Though many times his father had, 

From such a course him warned. 



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The aged sire lay down in death, 

When George was twenty-two, 

And left his son sufficient means 
To take the youngster through. 

Across the way Miss Lucie Spray, 

For beauty was renowned; 

But she like George in books and work, 
Had never pleasure found. 

She slept at morn till breakfast time , 
When called would raise alarm. 

Then fret and fume most all the day, 

But George she seemed to charm. 

They spent much time at balls and shows 
And every trifling thing. 

George spent his money lavishly, 

Her costly gifts would bring. 

They wed at last and life began, 

As other people do. 

But neither knew how to perform 
The task he had in view. 

George did his means for naught invest, 

He business did not know, 

At other times false friends deceived, 

And thus his cash would go. 

At last his father’s hard earned means 
Were squandered by his son; 

And George and Lucie put to shame, 

For evil they had done. 

Poor Lucie spent her time in vain, 

In keeping house you see; 


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For nothing had she ever learned, 

At the age of twenty-three. 

Her cake was dough, her meat was burned, 
And George would scold and frown. 

Then all into the yard she’d throw, 

And cry her grief to drown. 

Thus ill and sad alone they went, 

Till Lucie’s parents died; 

Which brought them means enough again 
To have them satisfied. 

But George could not this treasure hold, 
He let it slip away; 

Then into vice and sin went down, 

And died in sad dismay. 

Poor Lucie followed him quite soon 
Into the lonely grave. 

They each while young was indolent, 

Did nothing worthy crave. 

So fool met fool upon life’s road, 

They had no end in view; 

But present pleasure, ease and sport, 

How is it, friend, with you? 

Let useful things your mind employ, 

As well as sport and fun. 

For youth is given to prepare 
Thd race of life to run. 

Perhaps if George and Lucie had 
Their parents heeded more, 

They would not at the last became 
So sad and died so poor. 


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HELP THE MAN THAT’S DOWN. 

Let us seek in life, my brother, 

To uplift the man that’s down; 

He perhaps has met misfortune, 

Which so often comes around. 

Though today life’s road is easy. 

And your path seems smooth and clear; 

You before another fortnight, 

May desire a helper near. 

Then if you from those in sorrow 
Turn away and them neglect, 

You may sometime when you’re fallen 
From cold hands the same expect. 

God will hear the cry of anguish, 

That to which your ears are dull, 

And when you raise your lamentation 
Will cause another’s ears to lull. 

Will you not now help the fallen? 

To arise their course pursue? 

God will turn into your bosom 

All His Word has promised you. 


PETER’S DENIAL. 

When Simon Peter cursed and swore, 
And showed his cowardice, 

He let the devil lead him off 
To choose the wrong advice. 



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103 


His Master warned him of his wiles 
And told him that he would 

Deny that he his person knew, 

This Peter understood. 

The Lord had said the flesh is weak, 

On it you can’t depend, 

And had he kept his word in view, 

He would not thus have sinned. 

He boasted of his bravery, 

And said Til not forsake, 

Though all the others flee away, 

I’ll for you undertake. 

He took sword and plucked the ear 
From Malchus as he said, 

But when the soldiers bound his Lord 
He rose and quickly fled. 

He followed them some distance off, 

Into the judgment hall, 

While there a sprightly little maid 
Did our brave saint appall. 

Some others said, Your speech bewrays, 
You must be one of them; 

But Peter says: “I know him not,” 

The rooster crowed again. 

The third spoke up, “Did I not see 
You with Him by the brook,” 

But grieved at this, he cursed and swore, 
The Master at him looked. 


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Then Peter from the hall did go, 

And wept most bitterly, 

The chaff now from the wheat was gone, 
He won the victory. 

From then till death this faithful man 
His Lord forsook no more, 

But preached and suffered for His sake 
And persecution bore. 

He on the day of Pentecost, 

Did with such power speak, 

Three thousand souls received the Lord 
Through one who seemed so weak. 

Then, brother, if you like he, have sinned, 
Just to your Lord confess, 

Proclaim the worth of what He’s done, 
And you He’ll surely bless. 


SLEEPERS WARNED. 

We know not when our Lord will come 
To take his ransomed children home, 
But let us watch from day to day 
And in the path of duty stay. 

He’s warned us that the ones who sleep, 
When He returns will mourn and weep; 
The grain is ripe, the harvest’s white, 
There’s work to do from morn till night. 

I would some sheaves place at His feet, 
When I shall come my Lord to meet. 



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105 


I wish His loving smiles to gain, 

When He on earth shall come to reign. 

We cannot God and Mammon serve, 
Or else we’ll from our duty swerve; 
For where our treasure is our heart 
Is there in full and not in part. 

Let’s not cease work, though He delay, 
He’ll come right soon and in dismay 
Will be the foolish ones who fail 
The lost to warn and sin assail. 


CHRIST IS DIVINE. 

Tell me not that Christ our Savior 
Did not come to earth and die, 

That His blood He spilt while dying 
Did not atone for such as I. 

Did the prophets not speak of Him? 

Years before His first advent? 

And when the time had reached fulfillment 
Was he not from heaven sent? 

Was the world not looking for Him? 

When He came the lost to save? 

And while here He raised the number 
From the cold and gloomy grave. 

Was He not a man of sorrow, 

As Isaiah said he’d be? 

And we hid our faces from Him, 

Though He came to set us free. 



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Did John not prepare a people, 

For His coming as they said? 

And He built an institution 

That would bruise the serpent’s head. 

Yes, He told that He would suffer; 

Rise the third day from the grave: 

And was seen by His disciples, 

Ones to Him the Father gave. 

He also said, The Jews would scatter 
O’er the earth for many years, 

Then return before His coming 

Back to earth which now appear. 

For they’re going now in numbers, 

As the Master said they would; 

And we look again to see Him, 

On Mount Olivet where He stood. 

Then He told us that the city 

Of the Jews would be thrown down; 

And the walls which it encircled 

Would be leveled with the ground. 

Did it happen as He said it 

Was it not by Titus done? 

And the Jews since then have wandered 
In every land beneath the sun. 

Then the “Man of Sin” He pictured 

Through long ages saint would slay, 

But before His Second Coming, 

Rest they’d have and love display. 


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You also hear Him sadly saying: 

“The love of many will wax cold, 

And false teachers will be trying 

To the lambs draw from the fold.” 

Tell me not then, that religion 
Is a chimera of the brain, 

But ’tis based on Christ the Savior 

Who was for our transgressions slain. 

He has given us full assurance 

Of His presence, peace and power, 

And will take us home to glory, 

For He keeps us every hour. 

Let vile men and scoffers chatter, 

And the devil Him oppose; 

But He proved His blessed mission, 

When from the grave our Lord arose. 


THE RESURRECTION. 

The Marys came at early morn 
Where the Master’s body lay 
To embalm His loving form, 

Which was the custom of the day. 

Sweet perfumes and spices brought 
To their love and favor show, 

But their Master whom they sought 

Was gone, but where they did not know. 

Mary weeping saw one stand 

Near the grave where He had lain, 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 

And did make him understand 

That His absence gave her pain. 

The Lord now turned and to her said: 
“Mary,” then her Lord she knew. 

Overwhelmed that there the honored dead 
Stood alive within her view. 

She reached His loving form to touch, 

He, stepping back, said: “Touch me not.” 

This act revealed, she loved Him much, 

And what He’d done was not forgot. 

Go tell my friends, I’m dead no more; 

I’ve broke the bars which bind men down. 

This news must run from shore to shore 
And I have won a lasting crown. 

The women went at once to state 

This glorious news to all His friends, 

That Christ the Lord death’s bands did break, 
And to the twelve His greetings sends. 

I’ll meet them o’er in Gallilee 
Before I to the Father go. 

My blood has you from sin set free, 

And of my power all will know. 

The three who nearest to Him stayed 
Did run the sepulchre to behold, 

But Simon the best progress made 

And found the grave did not Him hold. 


The linen cloths were laid aside 
An angel sat upon the stone, 


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Who said the Lord they crucified, 

Has burst the bars of death and gone. 

In glad amazement they returned 
And gathered all with one accord 
To break the news which they’d learned 
And there they met their risen Lord. 

Thus for some forty days or more 

Did Christ appear at various times, 

Then went up where He was before 
To dwell again in heavenly clime. 

With joyful heart they went about 
His Gospel to proclaim to men, 

They’ve borne much grief and been cast out 
By all the powers of wrong and sin. 

Through flood and flame His church has come 
Near to the time His work reveals, 

When He will take His ransomed home, 
Where joy sublime His presence yields. 

The gates of hell have proved too weak 
The blood washed throng to kill, 

And till He comes His truth will speak, 

It is the Father’s will. 


“MOST AWFULLY CUTE.” 

Some one made a phrase 

That the language don’t suit, 
You hear it so often, 

“Most awfully cute.’’ 



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If you go to the store 
To buy you a boot, 

Te merchant will say: 

“They’re ‘most awfully cute’ ” 

I went to my Webster 

The expression to find, 

But found the old gent 

Was a few years behind. 

I’ve ransacked the language, 

But found it all mute. 

Yet still some will use it 
“Most awfully cute.” 

Most all full of cuteness, 

I suppose they intend, 

And all kinds of scolding 

Don’t cause them to ’mend. 

I passed by a lady, 

With her poodle dog bute, 

She said to another, 

“He’s ‘most awfully cute.’ ” 

If somebody dies, 

And the folks become sad, 

You’ll hear them exclaiming, 

“It’s most awfully bad.” 

If you go to the milliners 
To buy you a hat, 

She’ll place one upon you 

And say: “Look at that.” 

No other will fit you, 

It sure does you suit, 


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111 


And really I think 

It’s “most awfully cute.” 

“Most awfully bad” 

And “most awfully good” 

And all such expressions, 

I’d stop if I could. 

But the thing that upsets me 
And makes me stand mute, 

Is the silly expression, 

“Most awfully cute.” 

They talk in the parlor, 

The street and the shop, 

And all your correcting 

Don't cause them to stop. 

For all things they see 

With your hat, shoes and suit, 
They tell you at once 

Are “most awfully cute.” 

It's cute, cuter, cutest, 

With the seeming astute, 

Is the greatest of phrases 
“Most awfully cute.” 

So if you’d be proper 

And not be termed mute, 

Just use the bad grammer, 

“Most awfully cute.” 

If a boy drives his girl 

And a wheel strikes a root, 

She cries: “You’re a dandy, 

‘Most awfully cute.’ ” 


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I’ve heard it so often, 

When my gun I would shoot; 

The echo comes back, 

“Most awfully cute.” 

My brains in a whirl 

When my wife plays the flute, 

The music as usual 

Is “most awfully cute.” 

My children at play, 

Joe, Sammy and Newt 

Will jump, stamp and wrestle, 
“Most awfully cute.” 


ARKANSAS. 

On the 6th day of April, 1867, I was born near Bin¬ 
gen, Hempstead county, Arkansas, and have resided 
in the state ever since, and if I live to the age of a 
hundred years, it is my purpose to live and die in the 
grand old State of Arkansas. 

There’re other states much larger, 

From this don’t pick a flaw, 

But when it comes to comfort, 

There’s none like Arkansas. 

Her hills are high and rocky; 

Her valleys low and smooth: 

But plenty covers over all; 

Her people rarely move. 



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113 


She raises corn and cotton, 

Potatoes, beans and rice, 

Spuds, peanuts, pigs and melons, 

And every thing that’s nice. 

Up north they strive and labor 
To raise mules, hogs and sheep. 

In Arkansas they’re growing 

While farmers’ children sleep. 

Our apples takes the world’s best prize; 

Chir peaches can’t be beat. 

The boys in Arkansas are fine, 

The girls are fair and sweet. 

Missouri is cold and dreary, 

The climate is too raw. 

But the air is nice and balmy 
Down here in Arkansas. 

Down south of us is low and wet, 

Filled up with bogs and pine. 

They reach from the Mexican Gulf up north 
To the Louisiana line. 

In Arkansas the streams are clear, 

There game and fish abound, 

And sporting ground our lakes afford 
To other states around. 

Out west of us two other states 
Raise cotton, beef and straw, 

But then we have all these and more 
In grand old Arkansas. 

Then over east the states will not 
With this one half compare. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


The land is worn and thin and old, 

The people do declare. 

Now sell your homes and come, my friends. 
Success for you will date, 

From the time you come and settle down 
Within this noble state. 

We’ve churches, schools and happy homes, 
Good water, health and bread, 

And if you’ll give us time to act, 

We’ll be one year ahead. 

The one who wrote that silly book, 

“Three Years In Arkansas,” 

Should be sent down to Africa 
With a scar upon his jaw. 


THE ATONEMENT. 

When God the first pair did create, 
And placed them in a holy state; 

He gave them power all things to rule, 
In Eden’s Garden fair and cool. 

They saw the Father’s face divine, 
Conversed with Him from time to time. 
The garden dressed, the fruit did eat, 
Beneath a shady mild retreat. 

One day an enemy to them came, 

And words did say, almost the same 
As those the loving Father used, 

And by deception them abused. 



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115 


The woman took the apple sweet 
And gave her husband who did eat. 

Thus dead in sin the race fell down 
And caused the Lord on them to frown. 

Thus man and God were thrust apart 
By Satan’s sly and cunning art. 

God’s vengeance down upon them fell 
To crush them down to the pits of hell. 

But God in pity did on them look, 

Though they by sin His law forsook. 

He means devised through Christ the Lord 
To satan crush and help afford. 

His infinite law was of such price 
It took an infinite sacrifice 
To atone for sin and free from guilt, 

His precious blood was for us spilt. 

They buried Him in Joseph’s tomb, 

While sorrowing friends were wrapped; 
But on the third day from this time, 

He arose to soar to heavenly clime. 

Where He to the offended Father came 
To bring His blood and place His claim, 
There He for sin did then atone, 

And sent His church to make it known. 

Thus through this means lost man you see, 
Our Lord can set the sinner free; 

Who from his sins will turn away, 

And trust His Son the debt to pay. 

When I was lost He died for me, 

God punished Him and I go free. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


No condemnation us can reach, 

The Scriptures all do clearly teach. 

O, sing His worth, His name adore, 

The Gospel spread from shore to shore. 

That God in Christ was reconciled 
To those who were by sin defiled. 

Through Him we’ll conquer in the end, 

For on His power we can depend. 

It’s not by works that we’ve done, 

But through the merit of His Son. 

Thus millions have this lesson learned 
And from the paths of sin been turned, 

From every nation, race and tongue, 

His love and mercy now have sung. 

By grace through faith, the Scriptures say, 
His Spirit shows our feet the way 
To narrow road that leads above, 

To the Son’s embrace and the Father’s love. 


KNOWN BY FRUITS. 

He said by fruits you them should know 
And not by them mere professions show. 
Men can’t reject this plain decree 
And from this guilt of sin be free. 

Men may deceive their fellows here, 
Their confidence and favor share; 

But when they come this world to leave, 
There’s one whose eye they can’t deceive. 



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117 


Thus Judas through Christ’s ministry, 
Whose life from open sins was free. 
Deceived the other disciples all, 
Though Christ a devil did him call. 

But in the end how sad his fate, 

Like other hypocrites who wait 
Till death to see their sad mistake, 
And in the flames of hell awake. 

Be not deceived, you cannot mock 
Your God by smooth and flowery talk. 
You’ll hear Him say to you ere long: 
Depart and suffer for your wrong. 


THE GRACE OF GOD. 

His grace has full salvation brought 
To those who seek His face. 

The plan with love and mercies frought 
For all the sinful race. 

’Twas grace that caused the Father’s love 
To be bestowed on man. 

Grace reigned in heaven so wondrously 
Till it devised the plan. 

Grace led my feet to find the road 
Which leads from sin away, 

And will my weary footsteps guide 
To a braighter, heavenly day. 

Grace keeps me from the tempter’s power, 
Along life’s rugged road; 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Grace lightens every load of care, 
Which on our pathway strowed. 


THE WAIL OF THE LOST. 

There’s a wail from the islands o’er the lea, 

And the lands far beyond the dark blue sea, 

Who by satan’s fetters bound, 

But Christ’s love is never found, 

Let us to them give the message of His grace. 

Gentle breezes blow at morn and eventide; 

Nature smiles and early need has satisfied: 

But they bow to stocks and stones; 

Peace and joy are never known, 

Will you go and bear the news to them today? 

We who love and praise His name from day to day 
Know His power and strive the Gospel to obey, 
Should His Spirit manifest, 

If we would at last be blest, 

When He comes to call His ransomed children home. 

He has left us in the world to shine our light, 

And His life reflect to those in moral night; 

For their way is dark and drear 
’Midst the gloom and sorrow here, 

Go and lift the load of sin from them just now. 



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119 


GO INTO THE VINEYARD. 

Go into the vineyard and labor today. 

There’s work for obedient hands. 

Go into the vineyard and labor I say, 

Obeying your Savior’s commands. 

Go into the vineyard and labor for Him, 

Though you earn but a penny a day. 

Go into the vineyard the vintage bring in, 

The Master your wages will pay. 

Go into the vineyard and work in the heat, 

The rest time will come you soon. 

Go into the vineyard His message repeat, 

With your heart and your voice all atune. 

Go into the vineyard so many will say, 

We’ll go, but neglect to fulfill. 

Go into the vineyard, don’t faint by the way, 
Your Savior is calling you still. 

Go into the vineyard the night will soon come, 
Which closes our labors below. 

Go into the vineyard He’s calling us home, 

The fruits of our labor to know. 


PERILOUS TIMES. 

There’s naught but care and trouble here, 
Our road is filled with doubt and fear; 
The foe so often does assail, 

False friends forsake, vile scoffers rail. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


The love of many has grown cold, 

Their minds are set on sordid gold; 

They seek for pleasure, ease and rest 
Of little interest, are possessed. 

If you for truth would now contend, 

You’re sure the masses to offend. 

They will not stand for doctrine sound, 

With such our churches do abound. 

With itching ears they’ve teachers heaped 
Unto themselves and failed to keep 
The statutes which the Lord proclaimed, 

Of faithful men they are ashamed. 

But Jesus said to faithful be 
And speak the things which men will free, 
That when He comes our work to own, 
We’ll sit beside Him on the throne. 


JEFF AND TIM. 

Jeff Magus was a soldier brave, 

Who went to war alone. 

The metal on his sword and cap 
With radiant splendor shown. 

He pounced upon Tim Nettleton 
And thought he’d break his jaw, 

But found Tim equal to the task, 

And lost his right fore paw. 

As oft they bore him from the place, 
Where he had found defeat; 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


121 


He sobbed and cried most piteously, 
I never will retreat. 

I’ve long aspired to lead a host, 
The enemy put to rout; 

But in the first onslaught I made, 
Tim for me proved too stout. 

’Tis often seen when men become 
Too anxious for a row, 

They get the worse of the affray, 
Maimed Jeffy sees it now. 


BAPTISM OF JESUS. 

John in the Jordan did baptize 
The people as they came, 

And pictured that the dead would rise, 
Who trust in Jesus’ name. 

One day appeared ’midst the throng 
A stranger wise and brave, 

Whose worth had been the prophets’ song, 
They told His power to save. 

He to the harbinger did come 
Immersion did demand, 

But John drew back unto him said, 

I need it at your hand. 

But Jesus said it suffer now. 

For us it does become 
All righteousness to thus fulfill, 

By symbol make it known. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Then John the Lord of life did plunge 
In Jordan’s water clear, 

And as He arose the Spirit dove 
Upon Him did appear. 

The Father spake from heaven above 
In tender loving tones, 

I am well pleased in all the acts 
Of my beloved Son. 

From here Christ on His mission went 
The people to apprise, 

That He would institute a church, 

Believers to baptize. 

Thus Peter, John and all the rest 
Throughout a useful life 

Did never change the mode He gave 
To save them from the strife. 

And later Paul said, Bury them, 

To show their death to sin; 

But after men inspired were dead, 

Perversion did set in. 

They’ve changed the mode and purpose too. 
And say ’twill do as well; 

They pour and sprinkle or immerse 
To save the folks from hell. 

The blood of Christ alone will cleanse 
A sinner from his guilt. 

Immersion only shows our faith, 

In Him for sinners spilt. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


123 


If we are faithful to His word, 

We will for truth contend. 

He said He would reward the few 
Who serve Him to the end. 


NOT OF WORKS. 

”Tis all of grace and not of works, 

I hear the Scripture say; 

But works some think they must perform, 
Or else they’ll fall away. 

By God’s own hand through faith we’re kept 
From satan’s power and charm, 

He cannot touch our life again, 

Christ rescued us from harm. 

Our lives are hid with Christ in God, 

And when He does appear; 

Then we from death will be set free, 

And all His glory share. 

Our works but show the kind of tree 
That does the fruit produce. 

The bramble cannot bear a peach, 

To try it is no use. 

Eternal life comes as a gift 

From God through Christ the Son, 

But full reward our Lord will pay 
For all the work we've done. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


SPRING. 

I hear a sound from the forest, 

The bees are beginning to hum, 

The birds are singing so merrily 
To tell us that winter has gone. 

The clouds float high in the heaven; 

O'ld Sol shines to drive off the gloom; 
The grass shoots forth from its cover; 
The flowers are fully in bloom. 

The springtime is surely before us; 

The farmer is sowing his seed, 

He labors to gather a harvest, 

To keep those dependent from need. 

Then let us rejoice at the blessings 

Which come with presence of spring, 
And honor the Oine who has sent them 
Let laughter and melody ring. 


JIMMY’S COME TO STAY. 

Good morning, neighbor Jenkins, 

How are you this fine day? 

I’m very well, I thank you, 

But Jimmy’s come to stay. 

He lost his job at Boston, 

Because he left his post. 

Tom works for Jones and Wilder, 

But eats my bread and roast. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


125 


There’s John who runs the water plant, 
But cannot leave his ma; 

And Ruth who keeps the milliner shoop 
Will not forsake her pa. 

Then Bill and Joe and Charley 
All stay with public work. 

But take their meals with ma and me, 
With Bess who is the clerk. 

So, neighbor Smith, we’re all at home. 
Since Jimmy’s come to stay, 

And all the boys and girls you see 
Will have no board to pay. 

The children all are doing well, 

They spend their money free 

At shows and balls and theatres, 

And board with ma and me. 

But I’d forgot to tell you, 

I’ve made a little debt, 

And need a hundred dollars, 

The matter right to set. 

So, neighbor, if you will lend it, 

I’ll pay it back right soon. 

If such a time will suit you, 

We’ll say the last of June. 

I never have been thinking 
My money up to hoard, 

And now it takes the shillings 
My children all to board. 

Yes, John, I have the money, 

But do you think it wise, 


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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Your money thus to squander? 

To buy their board supplies. 

Your means will soon be wasted, 

The children then will leave, 

No ones but you and Nancy 
Alone at home to grieve. 

Then take this hundred dollars, 

Tf you the rule will set, 

To put the price on boarders 
And let them pay the debt. 

I thank you, neighbor Smith, today, 

For I’ve a lesson learned, 

The money that my children waste 
Had better all be burned. 

The last of June our friend returned 
To pay this friendly loan, 

And said his wife and he were left 
To gnaw a lonely bone. 

Their children all offended were, 

Because he made demand, 

And changed their boarding place at once, 
Such treatment could not stand. 


SI MALONE. 

Old Si Malone upon a road 
To London came one day, 

He’d never seen the king or queen, 
At work he had to stay. 



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127 


On the lonely morn when Si was born, 
His father lost an eye, 

His brother died the family cried, 

That’s why they named him Si. 

His face was dark with warts and marks 
Upon his nose and chin; 

His eyes were red, so was his head, 

His ears were large and thin. 

Si’s mouth was wide, from side to side 
It reached from ear to ear; 

His feet were small for one so tall, 

The people did him fear. 

Though Si was brave, he never shaved, 
Nor combed his hair nor beard, 

His coat was worn, he looked forlorn, 
But of the king he heard. 

Thus on he went his mind intent 
On what the king would say; 

• He reached the gate and palace great, 
He’d traveled all the day. 

The porter came and asked his name, 
“’Tis Si Malone,” he cried, 

“I’ve set this spring to see the king.” 
“Come in,” the man replied. 

The king and queen when Si had seen 
Stood trembling and amazed, 

“What can we do to honor you?” 

As on our friend they gazed. 

“Oh king,” he cried, “I’m satisfied, 

I’ve longed for years to see 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Old England’s King and hear them sing 
Within the Palace free.” 

The king and queen him entertained 
In royal style that night. 

For three long days poor Si did stay 
Within the Palace bright. 


BRING BACK MY CHILDHOOD. 

Bring back my childhood days again, 

The load’s too heavy now to bear; 

My mind was free from care and pain, 

I would again their pleasures share. 

I would I could the forest roam 

In childish glee each nook survey, 

In search of honeysuckle blooms, 

Or watch the dashing of the spray. 

I’d live again those useful days 

And laugh and sing the songs I love, 

Engage once more in childish play, 

And listen to the turtledove. 

But life with all its burdens sore 
Has come upon me thick and fast, 

I’ll try to make it yield me more 
And reap the benefit at last. 

I’d make my life for those I love 

A blessing that I may them lead 

Unto a better world above, 

Where we from care will all be free. 



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129 


JESUS PAID MY FARE. 

Jesus paid my fare for me, 

He met the debt and I go free; 

He died my sins to satisfy, 

To do His will I’ll ever try. 

Jesus paid my fare in time, 

Such wondrous love and power sublime; 
When I was lost He left the throne, 

For my transgressions to atone. 

Jesus paid my fare in full, 

My soul in sin did satan pull, 

But Christ relieved me of the load, 

And showed my weary feet the load. 

Jesus paid my fare Himself, 

No part for me to pay He left. 

The Father’s love slew Christ the Son, 
And full redemption for us won. 

Jesus paid my fare in love, 

That I might dwell with Him above; 

No guilt upon me rests today, 

My Savior took it all away. 


KEEP ME, I PRAY. 

Merciful Savior, hear me, I pray, 

Lighten my burdens of sorrow today. 
Thou art my portion, wisdom and life, 

Be my companion midst trouble and strife. 



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Gracious Redeemer, to Thee I call, 

Those who lean on me never will fall; 

For Thou upholdest them with Thy hand, 
Who in the conflict take a firm stand. 

Master, I pray Thee, keep me from sin, 

May I in temptation the victory win; 

I meet with sore trials from them Td be free, 
O give me Thy Spirit my leader to be. 

Precious Redeemer, let my life prove, 

A light on life’s pathway to point men above. 
I’d ever be faithful Thy words to repeat, 
Then Master, for wisdom,I now Thee entreat. 

O guide of Thy people, Thy mercy bestow 
Upon Thy poor children to help them to go 
Along the straight pathway of duty and right, 
Which conquers the foe and wins in the fight. 


THE BOY OF TEN NAMES. 

I knew a boy in youthful days 
Whose name I think will you amaze. 

His appellation is hard to spell, 

But it by threes I to you tell. 

James Franklin William it began, 

Which is enough for any man; 

But if you’ll only patient be, 

I’ll name to you another three: 

Nelson Wesley Green came next, 

Which three no doubt your patience vex. 



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131 


Just wait my friend, don’t be alarmed, 
Don’t scold his pa, he meant no harm. 

Pleasant Alonzo Christopher Chin 
Just makes the count go up to ten. 
This boy with names was loaded down, 
While in the world he walked around. 


THE EFFECT OF DRINK. 

One lonely night the wind was high, 
The thunders loudly roared; 

The lightning flashed across the sky; 
The rain and torrents poured. 

Wade Nix alone and sad sat down 
Beside his scanty board. 

He'd spent his needs in sin and drink, 
The right he had ignored. 

His wife had died in grief and shame, 
Then followed children three. 

He felt his course had been the cause, 
And wept most bitterly. 

Wade’s early days were prosperous 
And fortune on him smiled, 

But through the habit of strong drink, 
His hands had been defiled. 

He married Julia Pendergraff 
A nice accomplished maid, 

And many happy days they spent 
While with his wife he stayed. 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


But vile associates led him off 
Till he forsook his home, 

And left his wife and children three 
Cold, hungry and alone. 

One night he came and found the one 
He’d promised to protect 

Was dying from a broken heart, 

Because of his neglect. 

Within a month this wicked wretch 
Had buried all the four, 

They went where rum and wickedness 
Could them disturn no more. 

Thus lone and sad that night he wept, 
Heart broken and bereft. 

With all his friends and fortune gone, 
And naught but life was left. 

“I’ll be a different man,” he cried, 

And from that night began, 

To amend his ways and save his means, 
And for the right to stand. 

But Wade is melancholy still 

And often grieves and sighs, 

That he by drink had been deceived, 

At times he weeps and cries. 

He warns the young of satan’s wiles, 
Who would their feet ensnare, 

And says I was by fetters bound 
And nearly perished there. 

Then will you not, young men, take heed, 
A lesson from him learn? 


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133 


And when a man would give you drink, 

In horror from him turn. 

How many bright and useful lives 
Each year go down to death? 

By means of drink which they have learned 
And broken hearts have left. 


SAM’S APOLOGY. 

A Dutchman stopped one night and stayed 
With jolly Mr. Rose, 

And like the others of his race, 

He had a monstrous nose. 

His host owned several negro slaves 
Whom mischief did inspire, 

Black Sam was sent before he rose 
To make the guest a fire. 

The German lay upon his back 
His nose protruded up. 

Sam laid the wood upon the fire 
And turned to get a cup. 

But when he saw this frightful nose, 

He dashed from out the room, 

His master stood beside the door 
Expecting him to come. 

He jumped and laughed till Mr. Rose 
Said, “Sam, just come with me, 

And make amends for what you’ve done, 

In an apology.” 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


O Massy, please don’t make me go, 

I could not help but laugh. 

Dat nose am bigger dan the one 
Upon the spotted calf. 

But you must go, you ugly black, 
This man you did insult. 

Now Massy, please I never made, 

Dat nose am catapult. 

The man was up when Sam went in, 
Nor did he understand, 

Till he began to bow and nod 
And said : “Wise gentleman, 

“You’se got de nicest little nose. 

Its round and short and small. 

De fact am Massy, you am got, 

But little nose at all.” 

The Dutchman made a dash at Sam 
And would have killed the black, 

But Mr. Rose did intervene 
And sent the negro back. 


THE A B C’S. 

A stands for Amos who wrote a good book; 

B is for breakfast while C is for cook: 

D begins dog that ever keeps watch; 

E travels with evening, but never with night. 

F was a fighter who rarely got whipped; 

G went to Germany his means from him slipped 



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135 


H killed a horse he was trying to drive; 

I drove an Ibex in order to thrive. 

J joined a joker and went to the Hague; 

K kicked at his shadow and injured a leg: 

L leaped from a window and punched out an eye; 

M mourned for his partner and thought he would die. 

N nosed into matters that caused him alarm; 

O came to his rescue and kept him from harm: 

P picked up a parcel and went to the pen; 

Q quit drinking whiskey because of the sin. 

R roamed in the world in search of a job; 

S stole him a wife and escaped from the mob: 

T took a long trip and never returned; 

U used up the money his uncle had earned. 

V vaunted himself and thought he was wise; 

W went in a ship to assist the Allies: 

X comes twice in Xerxes ’tis quite plain to see; 

Y starts off old Yorktown, Fezz closes with Z 


CONFESS TODAY 

Come, sinner, now, confess your guilt, 
It was for you His blood was spilt. 
You’ve wandered far away in sin, 

But Christ the Lord will take you in. 

O will you not from danger flee 
And from the power of sin be free? 
The Master calls, O wanderer, come, 
Nb more in vice and folly roam. 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


When I was blind He made me see, 

His precious blood did purchase me. 

I in His love and peace rejoice, 

Because I made in youth a choice. 

Life is too short to risk your soul, 
While death and danger around you roll, 
Be wise and break sin’s fetters strong, 
He’ll guide your weary feet along. 

Procrastination will destroy 
Your soul exclude from peace and joy. 
Today, O, sinner, yield and come 
And shun the wrath of Christ, the Son. 


COVETOUSNESS 

Christ preached to those beyond the sea, 
That covetousness is idoltry, 

Yet man will slight His precious word, 
And try their millions up to hoard. 

They seem to think it right for them 
To fleece the poor tb swell their' gain; 

But the widow’s sigh and the orphan’s cry 
Will reach the ears of the One on High. 

Go to, ye rich men, weep and howl, 

For soon your God will on you scrowl. 

He says your wealth will burn like fire, 
When you shall sink beneath the mire. 

Man needs but little in this sphere, 

This plain to Dives did appear. 



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137 


Poor Lazarus, destitute and cold, 
Was gathered safely in the fold. 

A life well spent in useful deeds, 

In sowing good and noble seeds, 
Will bring a harvest which will last, 
The blessings never will be past. 


A BAPTIST 

If you would be a Baptist, 

And honor Christ the Lord, 

You’ll have to follow strictly 
The teaching of His word. 

You’ll work because He saved you 
And not to merit life, 

Secure in Him you’ll ever be, 

He keeps you through the strife. 

The Lord’s command to be baptized 
You surely will obey. 

You cannot be a Baptist 
By any other way. 

Your faith will be in Jesus’ blood, 
’Tis not of works, but grace, 

You’ll not be buried in the Lord 
Transgressions to erase. 

You’ll tell the world that Jesus died 
To save them from their sins, 

And if they look to Him for life, 

He will surely take them in. 



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GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


BE WISE 

They that will be wise like the firmament will shine 
As they praise His great name together, 

And they that turn many to righteousness 
As the stars for ever and ever. 

But the foolish will grope in darkness and gloom 
While the years of eternity roll, 

Because they neglected in life to prepare 
And death will envelop their soul. 

The righteous will sing in their glorious home 
And the name of their Savior adore, 

While the wicked will wail midst sorrows and gloom, 
The fire of His wrath on them pour. 

How sad it will be to the lost who will hear 
The voice of His wrath in that day! 

And be forced to depart to their doleful abode 
For ever in darkness to stay. 

Let me plead with you sinner that you come while 
you may, 

For tomorrow may settle your doom, 

Just turn from your folly and His face seek today 
In the heavenly city there is room, 


LITTLE WILLIE 

Little Willie acted silly 
Eating mamma’s cake, 

He tried to hide it and denied it, 
But physic had to take. 



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139 


The doctor teased him when anger seized him, 
He said: “When I’m a man, 

I’ll be a doctor, like Mr. Proctor, 

And by you I will stand. 

“I'll make you sicker, and do you quicker— 

I never ate that cake. 

I want some water, Dr. Potter, 

My head is about to break. 

“Give me some sugar, I see a booger, 

I want to go to sleep. 

I'll eat a ‘tater” a little later, 

That cake will do to keep. 


ALL ALIVE BUT SEVEN 

There’s Petsy Jane and Sallie, 

Tabitha, Sue and Clare, 

Elvira, Madge and Gretchen, 

Who always pleasure share. 

But Angeline and Martha, 

Cordellia, May and Ann, 

Gustava, Maud and Polly 

Just do the best they can. 

Then next came Lou and Cora, 

Mariah, Grace and Nell, 

But these were all the girls they raised, 
The boys I now will tell. 

John, Henry, Sam and Anthony, 

The twins were Tom and Red, 



140 GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 

Then after them were Will and James, 
Joe, Jack and Master Edd. 

Zan, Paul and Orrin followed on 
With Julius, Ruf and Sim. 

The other seven died quite young, 

I'll try to mention them. 

Mark, Frank and young Philander, 
Bruce, Brents and Obadiah, 

The last you see quit living 
Before his aged sire. 

Bet married Tom Mahony, 

Jane, Anthony Hollensworth, 

John Smith took little Sallie, 

Tab, Eiland Hblbordorff. 

The other girls aren’t married, 

And if you wish a bride, 

I'm sure from out the number 
You can be satisfied. 

The boys all have chosen spouses, 

And like their pa and ma 

Are rearing up a family 
To fill old Arkansas. 


THE DESIGNING POLITICIAN 

Good morning, Mr. Farmer, 

The weather is fine today. 

I have a word to say to you, 

I’m sure your time will pay. 



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141 


The men you have in office, 

Their sacred trust betrayed. 

My friends have me requested, 

I’ve left the job that paid. 

The platform I’ve adopted 

Will help the working man. 

I’m sure if you’ll elect me, 

We’ll carry out the plan. 

Iwould not run for office, 

If it were not a fact 

The people’ve been imposed upon 
By men who are intact. 

The man who does oppose me 
Will not your interest seek. 

You can’t afford to trust him, 

He’ll not his promise keep. 

But I would not betray you, 

You can on me depend. 

I stand upon my honor, 

Your interest I’ll defend. 

Thus from year to year they come 
With flowery speech and smile. 

But times are getting harder 
And burdens on us pile. 

Instead of being servants 
The people’s will to do, 

They serve their selfish purpose, 

To them they are untrue. 

In view of such, my brother, 

Be careful how you vote. 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


1,42 


Select and make a choice with care, 
It’s well their lives to note. 

The man who seeks by cunning, 

Or other artful tricks, 

To gain your confidence and vote, 
Will leave you in a fix. 


I’M WEARY OF THE CONFLICT 

I’m weary today of the conflicts below, 

Earth’s burdens are heavy to bear. 

I long to be free from the struggles and strife 
Where the blessings of heaven I’ll share. 

I sigh for the comforts He’s promised to give, 
When my toils and sore trials are passed, 

I’ll lay down my armor and soar to that home 
Where pleasures eternally last. 

I’ll wait ’till He calls me from sorrow and woe 
To join that song on the shore, 

And dwell there together with kindred and friends, 
Where sickness and death come no more. 

O wonderful scheme of redemption complete 
To rescue the fallen from death, 

And give us a home with the angels to dwell 
Where none will be sad or bereft. 

Let’s hasten His coming by spreading the truth 
To the nations that wait for his law, 

Then He will return to gather us there 
Such glory our eyes never saw. 



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THE HOME, HOW RECEIVED? 

My Savior has to glory gone 
To prepare His saints a home, 

And when His mission there is done, 
He’ll come and call us to the throne. 

He came to earth and died for sin 
That He might rescue fallen men. 
His blood He took before the throne 
For man’s transgressions to atone. 

The Father’s law He satisfied 
By blood that trickled down His side. 
Now God to man is reconciled 
Who was by Satan’s art defiled. 

We are complete in Christ the Lord 
And all may come with one accord 
Before the throne confess their wrong 
Full pardon have the way along. 

Come guilty sinner, make your plea, 
That Jesus’ blood was shed for me, 
The Father’s pardon comes alone 
Through Him who did for sin atone. 


THE HEAVENLY KING 

How joyous we sing of the Heavenly King 
Who has saved us from sorrow and woe! 

We have made Him our choice and together rejoice 
That His wonderful power we know. 



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Our hearts are so glad and we’ll never be sad, 

For we’re kept in His loving embrace. 

For His spirit to guide as we walk by His side 
And His blood does our sins all erase. 

His name we will praise as glad anthems we raise, 
For His love when we wandered away, 

He convinced us of sin and from death did us win 
That our eyes might heboid Him that day. 

We can never repay what our souls felt that day, 
When our feet from the mire He did lift. 

O what comfort He brought to our souls when He 
wrought 

We will praise His dear name for the gift. 

Then, my friends, help me sing of the Heavenly King, 
For His mercy can never be told. 

It is better I know than all things here below, 

I am safe with the sheep in the fold. 


LIFE IN CHRIST 

The Spirit quickens into life 
The flesh doth profit little. 
Christ said the law must be fulfilled 
In every jot and tittle. 

But He’s the one who paid the debt, 
Our great account to settle; 
And we by trusting what He’s done, 
Receive complete acquittal. 



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We hear the word, the spirit strives, 
With sin we fight the battle. 
Then turn away to Christ the Lord 
Who can old Satan throttle. 

The one who trusts to righteous acts 
To merit his salvation 
Will find each effort that he makes 
But adds to condemnation. 

Salvation’s free, but can’t be bought. 

We can’t redeem our brother. 
Each act we do but counts for naught, 
The power’s in another. 


ALL’S JOY IN CANAAN’S LAND 

When we come to cross the border 
Of fair Canaan’s happy land, 

We will join the glad hosannahs 
With the royal holy band. 

None will envy there his brother, 

Sin and strife no more molest, 

But one round of heavenly pleasure 
All will be supremely blessed. 

Doubts which here have us molested, 
Pain and sickness, grief and woe 

Will forever there be banished, 

Peace and pleasure all will know. 

There we’ll praise His name forever, 
Sing His worth and hail Him King, 



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And with harps and angels voices 
Make the heavenly arches ring. 

Earth no charms can ever give us, 
All is sorrow, death and pain. 
Toil and labor with contention 
Is our lot while we remain. 


WHITER THAN SNOW 

Whiter than snow has my Savior I know 

Cleansed my soul in His own precious blood. 

No blemish remains, I’m free from all stains, 

What a fountain this life giving flood! 

No fuller of earth can compare with His worth, 

Not a spot on my soul now remains. 

’Tis a wonderful thing that my Savior and King 
Can redeem from such misery and shame. 

Yes, whiter than snow, Til proclaim as I go, 

For my soul does with love overflow. 

I’ve His spirit to lead, since from sin Fve freed, 

While His word lights my path below. 

Will you join in the song as we travel along? 

That the lost may His love comprehend. 

’Twas the song of His grace for a ruined lost race, 
That to me deepest conviction did send. 

Now I shall sing all the day as I go on my way, 
That my soul is made whiter than snow. 

Praise His name ever more and His great worth adore, 
He will keep me from misery and woe. 



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BE FAITHFUL 

Why resist the call, my brother? 

Which the Master makes to you. 

Go and help to lead another 
To the work of life pursue. 

God forbids procrastination 

Up, the fields are white today. 

Men in sin and condemnation 
Soon will perish by the way. 

You have told Him you’d be faithful 
To perform the work assigned. 

But instead you’ve proved ungrateful 

That you might earth’s treasures find. 

Will He come and find you sleeping 
With your talents hid away? 

And in His presence there stand weeping 
When you answer in that day? 


ALWAYS PRAY 

It is always in order to pray 
In the morning or close of the day, 

In the bright sunny noon, you’ll not pray too soon, 
By prayer you’ll Satan dismay. 

Old Daniel did pray in the den 
And the Lord did a strong angel send 
To protect him from harm and arouse the alarm 
Of King Darius and all of his men. 



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In temptation it helps you escape 
And the fetters of Satan to break. 

It relieves you from care while His presence you share. 
All the gloom from your pathway He takes. 

O pray then, my brother, each day, 

As you travel o’er life’s rugged way. 

’Twill your burdens make light from morning till night 
And prevent you from going astray. 

Then, Master, do teach us to pray. 

Indict all the words we say, 

That our Father may *hear and relieve us from fear, 
And the tempter’s vile form drive away. 


CHOSEN IN CHRIST 

We were chosen in Christ, the bloo d was the price 
That He gave for the ransom of men; 

He came from above and was prompted by love, 

The Father’s pure law to defend. 

We were chosen before the planets did soar 
In the blue vaulted sky over head. 

That we spotless should be and from sin ever be, 

I am sure He’ll perform what He said. 

We were chosen through grace, for no works can erase 
One stain from the soul sin defiled; 

But His word brings the light and dispels moral night. 
And by faith we’re adopted His child. 

We”re chosen His heir all His glory to share, 

Through the truth and His spirit we’re saved. 

On His merit we’ll stand and inherit the land, 

For His death has the way for us paid. 



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BE TRUE 

I hope the common plans you shirk 
While in evangelistic work. 

Just preach the truth and make it plain, 
That men are saved through Jesus’ name. 

The Holy Spirit must you guide, 

If men would view his bleeding side. 

I trust you many sheaves may bring 
To place before our Lord and King. 

And while you sow the gospel seed 
In places where the Lord does lead. 

May liberal hearts your needs supply, 

Whice should His servants satisfy. 

And when you’ve wrought your labors done, 
The conflict past, your victory won, 

If to His truth you’ve faithful been, 

A great reward you’ll have, my friend. 


DANGER OF DELAY 

How sad it would be, careless sinner, 

If you should neglect ’til too late. 

O let me beseech you consider 

Before you are left to your fate. 

Old satan will surely deceive you 

And whisper, “There’s time enough yet.” 
He’s blinding your eyes to the danger, 

That you may be caught in his net. 



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Arise, break the fetters that bind you 
Your life is more precious than gold. 

By faith you’ll have full redemption, 

His blood alone can cleanse your soul. 

But if you neglect and deny Him, 

And loiter too long by the way, 

His Spirit may cease to entreat you, 

And leave you to starve in that day. 

How sad when you stand in the judgment, 
You’ll realize sadly the lost; 

And wish for the moments you’re wasting, 
Just stop now and count up the cost. 


WHEN HE COMES 

When the sun shall darken be, 

And the moon like blood we see, 

And the stars shall fall from heaven in that day; 
Men will call for rocks to hide, 

For Christ’s face they can’t abide, 

When He comes to judge the sinner for his way. 

Such a day has never been, 

Since the earth was made for men, 

As the day when sinners answer for their wrong. 
But the saints will raptured be, 

Anr from sin and care be free, 

As they shout and sing their happy victor’s song. 

Christ will sit upon His throne, 

And the nations will Him own, 

As He breaks the mighty fetters which them bind. 



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Then He'll rule from sea to sea, 

All the people will be free, 

For our Master will old Satan fully bind. 


STOP AND PRAY. 

When the storm clouds thickly gather, 
Stop and pray; 

When the tempter does you bother, 

Stop and pray; 

Then the light around you shine, 

Satan’s power o’er you decline, 

Christ to you will lend His presence 
On the way. 

If for truth you’re called to suffer, 

Stop and pray; 

If earthly goods you’re called to offer, 
Stop and pray; 

He’ll for sorrow give you joy, 

Full reward for you employ, 

When He calls you to His presence 
In that day. 

Should you meet no persecution, 

Stop and pray; 

’Tis a token you’.re unfaithful, 

Stop and pray; 

If for Him you faithful stand 

And be numbered with his band, 

You’ll bear scars of many conflicts 
On the way. 



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JOY IN FAITHFULNESS. 

I’d rather hear that little word, 

“Thou has here faithful been/’ 

Than fill the greatest place on earth, 

And lead a life of sin. 

When I shall stand before the throne 
And answer in that day, 

I hope to greet His loving smile 
And hear my Savior say: 

“The little I required of you 

Has been accomplished well, 

Come enter into joys above, 

The heavenly chorus swell.” 

The one who lives while here below 
For merely selfish ends, 

Will tremble when he stands that day 
To answer for his sins. 

My Savior said that He would come 
And find the world asleep, 

While just a few would heed His word 
And faithful vigil keep. 

The foolish virgins found at last 
That they had slept too late, 

And were debarred from coming in, 

The feast to celebrate. 

But many will neglect His call, 

They’re so on pleasure bent, 

Like Dives failed to heed His word, 

And down to hell be sent. 


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THE WONDERFUL STORY. 

To story most wonderful tell 

Of Jesus who d\yelt up above, 

Came down to this sorrowful earth 

That sinners might learn of His love. 

He left the bright mansions of bliss, 

When man was all ruined by sin, 

And bore all the sorrows of this, 

That He might redeem sinful men. 

O was it for me that He died? 

When I was a rebel undone. 

The Father’s own law satisfied, 

That we might be saved through His Son. 

He poured out His blood on the tree, 

Though sin He did never commit. 

It was for transgressions you see, 

O why did the Father permit? 

’Twas love for His creatures defiled, 
Unbounded compassion and grace, 

Which caused His incarnated child 
To suffer such things for the race. 

No wonder the sun refused light, 

All nature relaxed and did mourn. 

Their Maker was passing through night 
To rescue His children forlorn. 

Then let us rejoice and be glad 

He conquered old satan at last, 

And left him dismantled and mad 

As up from death’s domains He passed. 


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He made full atonement for me 
Whom satan so sorely beset. 

He's rescued His millions you see, 

But still there’s room enough yet. 


QUICKENED BY THE SPIRIT 

You hath He quickened, who were dead 
In trespass and in sin. 

It took the mighty power of God 
To make the light shine in. 

When I was blind He made me see, 

My grievous thirst did slake. 

The captive from sin’s dungeon took, 
My soul did liberate. 

The sinner’s free from righteousness, 
His mind on sin is bent; 

He walks the road that leads to death, 
To wrong his heart gives vent. 

But when the Gospel light shines down 
Within his darkened soul, 

He to the Lord confession makes 
While to the cross he holds. 

By faith he views His wounded side, 
The blood is now poured in; 

The Father’s love now fills his heart, 

A life is saved from sin. 



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155 


REDEEMED BY THE BLOOD. 

I’m redeemed by the blood, 

What a life giving flood. 

Which from sin washes whiter than snow, 
Now no guilt on me rests, 

I’ve a home with the blest, 

Where the blessings of heaven Til know. 

Would you meet me up there? 

Free from sorrow and care, 

From the broad road of sin turn away. 
There’s redemption for you, 

For your soul He’ll renew, 

If you’ll trust in His merit today. 

Yes, there’s room up above 

In the arms of His love 

For the sinner who comes to Him now. 

O, my friend, don’t delay, 

But surrender today, 

He’ll forgive, if you humbly will bow. 


I’M SAVED. 

I’ve wandered long in sin/’s dark ways 
Where satan leads and folly stays, 

Where vice the minds of all engage 
From youthful lives and stooping age. 

Sins morsel sweet was my delight, 

I loved the wrong and shunned the right, 
Till satan’s fetters held me fast, 

The day of grace had well nigh past. 



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At last the light upon me broke, 

The Master to me gently spoke; 

I fell prostrate before the throne, 
Confessed myself a wretch undone. 

The light of God my soul did fill, 

When I submitted to His will. 

He cleansed my weary aching heart 
And said to doubt and sin, “Depart.” 

Since then my soul with love o’erflows, 
His Spirit strength on me bestows; 

He walks along near by my side, 

I’m sure no evil can betide. 

What sweet assurance I possess 
Through Jesus’ blood and righteousness! 
He’ll lead me with His precious hand 
Till I possess the glory land. 

Such peace no earthly friend can give! 
My life’s secure, in Him I live, 
l’ts hid away with Christ in God, 

I go the way our fathers trod. 

Then shout ye children of the King, 

And let the joyous anthems ring. 

My Lord has paid the debt for me 
From condemnation I am free. 


SING A SONG OF HEAVEN. 

Sing a song of heaven 

Where lovely flowers bloom, 
Saints and angels voices 

Will chase away the gloom. 



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We’ll sing of free redemption, 

Of joy and peace and love 

Where all is satisfaction 

In the heavenly home above. 

No sin our minds will trouble, 

Our life from care be free. 

J’m longing now to view it, 

It is the land for me. 

My Savior did prepare the place, 

It cost His precious blood; 

He washed me in the fountain, 

O precious cleansing flood. 

No pain can ever enter 

And death’s a stranger there. 

We’ll dwell with Christ the Savior 
In heaven’s city fair. 


SWEETEST NAME. 

I love the name of Christ to hear 
When doubts and fears arise, 

For if I feel His presence near 
My soul on Him relies. 

No harm can come to His redeemed, 

They rest in Christ secure. 

The life they have through faith in Him 
Forever will endure. 

Ten thousand times ten thousand tongues 
Can ne’er His worth proclaim. 



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More precious far than earthly joys 
The mention of His name. 

When I was blind He made me see, 
When dead He gave me life. 

He keeps me by His mighty power, 
I’ll conquer in the strife. 

And though I lay this body down 
Within the cold dark grave, 
The bars of death will broken be 
Both soul and body saved. 


THE SONG OF GLADNESS. 

Sing a song of gladness, 

Sing a song of love, 

Let our hearts be merry, 

While here on earth we move. 

Why should we be dreary? 

Or murmur or complain? 
When Jesus died to save us 

From darkness, death and pain. 

Then let us sing together 

While here below we roam, 

For He is now preparing 

The Christian’s happy home. 

The sinner walks in sadness, 

His song is sad and drear, 

To peace he is a stranger. 

Of death he has a fear. 



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159 


But Christ our way has lighted, 
Our minds are free from care • 
And when our work is finished, 
We’ll go His bliss to share. 


THERE’S A BETTER HOME. 

There is a better world I know 
Beyond this mundane sphere. 

Why should we long and strive to stay 
’Neath strife and struggles here? 

These earthly ties here hold us fast 
Within their grasp and power 

The love of life and worldly things, 

Our minds engage each hour. 

From day to day we travel on 
Mid conflicts, pain and woe, 

Till to the end of life we come 
And down to death we go. 

Our spirits back to God return 
To ’wait the trumpet’s sound. 

Our bodies will to dust decay 
Within the lonely ground. 

But death upon the saints will lose 
His power at Christ’s call, 

The wicked from the judgment go 
Where darkness will appall. 



160 GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 

WE’LL BE SATISFIED. 

I know not when my Lord will come 
To take His ransomed home; 

But I’m faithful to His word, 

I’ll share His glory throne. 

A crown He’ll give to all who love 
His coming for His bride 

We’ll crown Him King and Lord of all 
And all be satisfied. 

O' glorious day, Lord Jesus, come, 

For Thee we’ve waited long 

To view Thee on Thy judgment seat 
Amidst Thy ransomed throng. 

Our troubles then will all be o’er, 

We’ll never sorrow know, 

From pain and death we’ll be set free 
Which grieves us here below. 

What glorious sights will meet our view! 
In Heaven’s City fair. 

O, sinner, quit the path of sin 
And meet us over ther. 


L. M. BYERS, JUNIOR. 

I have a little urchin 

Whose name is L. M. B. 

His cheeks are red and rosy 
As ever you did see. 



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161 


He has a baby brother 

Whose’s very small indeed, 

And every time he sees him 

He kisses more than’s need. 

My son is badly petted, 

He shows it by his acts. 

By failing to obey me, 

And does not stick to facts. 

I guess it is the trouble 
With all of Adam’s race 

To sometimes stretch their statements 
And do it with a grace. 

But then I love my baby, 

I think he’s very sweet, 

As any body ever had, 

He surely can’t be beat. 

His hands are short and chubby, 

With eyes as black as coals; 

Both feet are busy all the day, 

He plays with hoops and poles. 

But like the other children 

He cries and eats and sleeps, 

And does so many other things 
Of which I will not speak. 

Perhaps this petted baby, 

By management and plan. 

With plenty of food and clothing, 

Will some day make a man. 


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TELL IT ON AND ON. 

I would tell redemption's story 
How my sins are all forgiven, 

By the Father now in glory 

Through the One whose side was riven. 

O the joy of full salvation, 

Tell it, tell it, on and on, 

Jesus died for lost creation, 

All our debt of sin is gone. 

Now no guilt can come against us, 

He’s our Prophet, Priest and King. 

Break the news to all the nations, 

Make the joyous chorus ring. 

There’s no one so vile and wretched, 

But His blood will purify; 

“Come to me,” we hear Him crying, 

I your needs will all supply. 

Earth no lasting peace can give you, 

Grief and sorrow, death and pain, 

Is the portion we inherit 

While on earth we here remain. 


BRING THEM IN. 

Shine your light, my sleeping brother, 
There’s a lost one in the way, 

Who has wandered far in darkness, 

Did your slumbers make him stray? 



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163 


If from sin lost men are rescued, 

Those now bound by moral night. 

You must warn them of the danger, 

Be a hero in the fight. 

Satan will against you struggle, 

If for truth and right you stand; 

But no foe can stand before you, 

When you’re marching with His band. 

Then arouse and show the colors 

Of your Captain strong and brave, 

He who died for guilty sinners 
Tell them of His power to save. 

While you loiter, men are dying, 

By the thousands every day; 

Let’s be faithful to them, brother, 

“Bring them in,”I hear Him say. 


THE STRAY SHEEP. 

Glory, glory, love Divine, 

I’m my Lord’s and He is mine. 
He’s redeemed me from my sins, 
Placed His love and joy within. 

Halleluiah! Praise His name! 
One eternal God the same. 

I’m secure beneath His hand, 
Marching with the happy band. 

Satan more I will not fear, 

Christ the Master now I hear. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Father, I have pledged to keep 
The least and weakest of My sheep. 

Did he not through love Divine 
Leave the folded ninety-nine? 

Seek and find the one then lost, 
Though it did His life exhaust? 

Back He comes, we hear Him say, 
Here’s the one that went astray. 
Bless the Lord, He does me keep, 
I’m that straying wandering sheep. 


HEIRS OF GOD. 

I’m heir apparent to the throne, 

My Father is a King; 

And when I reached majority, 

I’ll then begin to reign. 

We’ll reign with Christ on David’s throne, 
When He shall come again; 

This earth He purchased by His death, 
For His redeemed from sin. 

He set His kingdom on the earth, 

It goes from sea to sea, 

And my possessions too shall reach 
To earth’s extremity. 

And when the Gentile fulness comes 
Our Lord will sure return, 

And take control of kingdoms all, 

All wickedness will spurn. 



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165 


The earth will have a peaceful time, 

No sinners rule for gain. 

But saints will fill all offices, 

And Christ’s just laws explain. 

And when Christ’s reign of righteousness 
Has satan’s power subdued, 

He’ll thrust him down to hell beneath 
And have the earth renewed. 

Then on the foot-stool of our God 
We’ll dwell eternally; 

Our God will wipe all tears away, 

No more of sin we’ll see. 

How wonderful, O God, Thou art! 

Such power to display, 

As is revealed within Thy word, 

Which will be done that day. 

Through all Eternity’s boundless years 
We’ll still Thy name adore, 

And learn new lessons of Thy grace, 

We never knew before. 


THE LITTLE TRAVELER. 

This jolly little traveler 

Is bound for Canaan’s land. 
He’s placed his trust in Jesus 
And travels with his band 

He gives him heavenly manna, 
His soul with grace supplies, 



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And shields him from the tempter 
And hears him when he cries 

He’s traveling on to Zion 
The way his fathers trod, 

For they were on the highway 
That leads from earth to God. 

He’ll surely reach the city, 

That home of peace and love, 
And dwell there with his Savior 
In a brighter world above. 

Down here he meets sore trials 
And satan on him frowns, 

But there he’ll be contented 
And wear a starry crown. 


DON’T DELAY. 

O' tell me, wretched sinner, 

As on the way you go, 

Can you not see the danger, 

That does you threaten so? 

Can you not well remember 

That thousands on that road 
Have by sins wiles been ruined 
And gone to hell’s abode? 

You can’t afford to linger 
On satan’s dark domain, 

He seeks your life to ruin 

In sin and vice and shame. 



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167 


O will you be entreated, 

Just leave that road today, 

For soon you will be sleeping 
Beneath the cold, dark clay. 

My Savior calls you gently, 

O, wanderer, come home. 

And heed just now His loving call, 
I pray don’t longer roam. 


WHO SHALL HAVE THEM? 

How shall we raise the children 
Whom to us God has given? 

That they may be prepared to dwell 
In the Savior’s home in heaven. 

Sin says, “Just let me have them, 

I’ll to them pleasure give, 

And let them have enjoyment, 

While here on earth they live.” 

Then next says Dissipation, 

“To me the children bring, 

I’ll teach them vice and folly, 

And every foolish thing. 

“I’ll bring them down to ruin, 

To dwell in darkest night, 

To do the wrong in every case, 

And always shun the right.” 

Along comes Pride and makes his claim, 
“To them I have a right, 



168 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


I’ll fill their minds with dress and style 
Which is my chief delight. 

"I'll make them snub religious folk 
And think them coarse and rough, 

Of balls and shows and theatres, 

They’ll never see enough. 

“Yes, give your children to me, 

I’ll keep their minds away 

From every thing that’s best for them, 
They’ll all be led astray.” 

O, tender, loving parents, all, 

Can we them sacrifice? 

To greed and lust and pleasure 
And death that never dies? 

Just point them all to Jesus 

Through faith and hope and love. 

He’ll fit them for a useful life, 

And a better home above. 

Give them life’s blessings that will fit, 
Them best for conflicts here; 

But don’t neglect to plant in youth, 
That they God’s wrath must fear. 


DAVID’S SON. 

Jesus, Savoir, Christ Divine 
Who through royal David’s line 
Came to earth and died for men 
That Thou might them free from sin. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


169 


Thy great name we’ll adore, 

Spread the news from shore to shore. 
God incarnate, child Divine, 

Now to Thee our hearts incline. 

Feed our souls with peace and love, 
May we near Thy Person move, 

Let us feel Thy power sublime 
Royal child from David’s line. 

Keep me, lead me, by the hand 
Till I reach the glory land, 

Cause my life the lost to lead 
To behold their greatest need. 


ANGELS. 

There is a land where angels bright 
God’s mandates all obey. 

There is no sin nor moral night, 

But one eternal day. 

They all the light of God behold, 

All see His loving face; 

And come on missions to the earth, 

Our sorrows to erase. 

Are they not ministering spirits sent 
To help the saints below? 

They camp around God’s children here, 
Till down to death they go. 

When death our tired souls release, 
They waft them up above 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Into the paradise of God, 

Where saints and angels move. 

O pure and happy seraphs bright, 
Who answer to His call, 

May I like thee obedient live 
By helping great and small. 


GOD’S GREATNESS. 

The heavens above Thy glory teach, 
Through space the stars and planets reach. 
The sun and moon Thy wisdom show, 

As on their course each day they go. 

But greater things Thy hand has formed 
With beauty are they all adorned, 

Each fills the place to it assigned, 

But greater still is finite mind. 

The means by which it thinks and acts 
Controls mankind and deals in facts, 

By reasons learns of nature’s laws 
From earth and sea and sky it draws. 

Yes, mind can take within its grasp 
The mysteries of the silent past, 

Then look beyond the haunts of men 
And soar to planets free from sin. 

In sweet anticipation rise 

To realms beyond the deep blue skies, 

By faith can hold of heaven take, 

Qr full survey of hell can make. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


171 


SEEK THE LOST. 

Go seek for the lost one, my brother, 

Who wanders in darkness and sin. 

Go teach him the way of salvation, 

The Savior says, Gather them in. 

He’s awaiting for you to arouse him, 

By satan’s strong fetters he’s bound; 

He’ll perish without your assistance, 

Make diligent search, till He’s found. 

If sheaves to the Master you carry, 

You’ll labor today in the field, 

Should all of His children be faithful, 
They’ll harvest a bountiful yield. 

So many are now standing idle, 

I fear that the Master will come 

And find that we’ve sorely neglected 
To bid guilty sinners come home. 

Arouse from your slumber, my brother, 
Go out in the highways and cry; 

Entreat them to flee from the danger, 
While life and salvation are nigh. 


172 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


The following poems (except that one entitled 
“Father”), were composed and contributed by my sis¬ 
ter, Mrs. Josie Robberts, and used by permission in 
this book. 


MOTHER. 

My mother is a friend to me, 

In all my troubles here. 

So true and kind a friend is she, 

To her my love’s sincere. 

She teaches me the way to live, 

That I kind friends may gain. 

The good advice she’ll always give, 

From wicked ones refrain. 

She cares for me through all the day, 

My comfort seeks by night, 

I’m sure that when she’s called away, 
She’ll dwell in endless light. 

For Christ her soul has prized as worth, 
And guides her by his love. 

And though we part while here on earth, 
We’ll meet in heaven above. 


FATHER. 

I have a father kind to me, 

His words are always mild; 
His object always seems to be, 
To council well his child. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


173 


He tells me time is precious, Dear, 

The moments flitting by, 

That I should my Creator fear, 

And seek a home on high. 

He says all earthly things are vain, 

That vanity is rife, 

Yet all will happiness obtain 
Who lead a pious life. 

He tells me of a Savior’s Love, 

How much he did for me; 

He says be harmless as a dove, 

And all temptations flee. 

—ELD. J. J. BYERS. 


THE SAVIOR. 

On the Cross I found my Savior, 
Bleeding, dying there for me. 

There I sought His loving favor, 

And I know He set me free. 

There I found Him, yes, I found Him, 
Precious to my sin-sick soul. 

Come and cast your fears around Him, 
And I’m sure He’ll make you whole. 

Come to Jesus, wretched sinner, 

At His feet just humbly bow. 

He will save you—not tomorrow, 

But in love will save you now. 



174 


GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


Come to Jesus, come repenting, 

Hear Him say, Look unto me; 

I will heal the broken hearted, 

And the captive will set free. 

Come drink from the flowing river, 
From its fountain rich and sweet. 
Come and take the living water 
Where I drank at Jesus’ feet. 


NO EARTHLY TREASURE. 

No earthly treasure I can give, 

No wordly prestige claim. 

But I can tell you how to live 
To honor Jesus’ name. 

And every one who’s found Him true, 
Thrice precious to his soul, 

Fear not for He will comfort you 
When sorrows ’round you roll. 

And you who have not found Him yet 
Come seek His face today; 

He’ll give you peace you’ll not forget, 
While struggling on life’s way. 

And when we reach the glory land 
Where trials ne’er can come, 

We’ll take each other by the hand 
In that eternal home. 

And there we’ll see our Savior’s face 
W^ith His in glory shine; 

And in that happy resting place 

Will praise your Lord and mine. 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


175 


IN MEMORY OF EOLIS. 

Sleep on, darling, sweetly sleep, 

God your loved ones here will keep, 
Till our labors here are done, 

Then He’ll call us one by one. 

Sleep on, darling, sweetly sleep. 

Rest on, darling, peaceful rest, 

God who knoweth what is best; 

He will raise you from the tomb, 

In that day when He shall come, 

Rest on, darling, peaceful rest. 

—MOTHER. 


SAVED TO SERVE. 

Jesus took me out from darkness, 

Place my feet in paths of light; 

Says to me go fight my battles, 

Fight against the fiend of night. 

Says to me, Take all the armor, 

Girdle, breastplate, sword and shield ; 

And leave not off the helmet, 

You will need them on the field. 

Says the way is rough and thorny, 
Satan’s army strong and fleet; 

And the mountains steep and rugged. 

Do not fail to shoe your feet. 

Look to me I am your leader, 

I have trod the path of life; 



GEMS OF TRUTH IN POETRY 


I will succor when you’re tempted, 
And be with you in the strife. 

Though you fall you shall not perish, 
I’ll uphold you with my hand; 
And will lead you on to victory; 

On to happy Canaan’s land. 

And to Me, if you’ve been faithful, 

I will crown your loyal head, 

In the kingdom of my Father, 

When I raise you from the dead. 


IN MEMORY OF ELDER W. R. STORY. 

Though Satan cast his fiery dart, 

The man received no harm. 

The shield of faith to guard his heart, 

He wore upon his arm. 

The helmet rested on his head, 

The breastplate on his breast; 

He wanted to obey, he said, 

His Captain’s full request. 

Truth’s girdle he laid not aside, 

But took the armor all; 

He spent his life for Him who died, 

He hearkened to His call. 

And when the blessed One shall come 
To ’wake the sleeping dead, 

He’ll raise his body from the tomb, 

And crown his loyal head. 


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